Walker County Supports Family Who Lost Home and Two Children

ROCK SPRING. Georgia  (WDEF) –The Rock Spring community is pulling together to help a Walker County family after a deadly fire.

The blaze claimed the lives of two children on Tuesday.

Investigators are still trying to find the cause, but say a candle may be to blame.

The Long family is now left without a home, all of their belongings, and two young lives.

8-month-old Jocelin Long and 6-year-old Nataleigh Long were killed in the fire.

3 children and their parents Richard and Heather Long, were able to make it out of the burning trailer, but suffered smoke inhalation.

Nataleigh was a first grader at Saddle Ridge School and attended there with two of her of surviving siblings.

“The entire family has needs. We just want to be sure we’re doing everything, that we’re God’s hands and feet”, said Assistant Principal Dustin Madaris.

Saddle Ridge School is collecting clothing, toys, household items, all things needed to help the Long family get back on their feet.

“We’re just looking to help them out. They are ours and be a blessing to them in any way we can, because they sure have been to us.”

While the whole community continues to grieve over the loss of the two young girls Saddle Ridge is making sure the children at the school are healing.

The school has grief counselors on site and a therapy dog.

Monica Cannon, a kindergarten teacher and mother, said her daughter is a classmate to one of the Long children and is learning handle this delicate situation.

“She went and talked to see how she can talk to her friend when she does come back to school and know the right things to say and not to stay.”

As for now, the Cannon said the school will continue to do all they can for the Longs.

“It’s amazing just to be a part of the Saddle Ridge family to know that they’re there for all of our students.”

If you would like to donate some of the items needed include:

•  Boys size 4-5 and shoe size one.
•  Girls size 6 and 11-12.
•  Women’s pants size 3 and medium tops.
•  Men’s pants size 40 and 2-XL shirts.
• Furniture
• Laundry Detergent
• Dishes
• The school is also taking monetary donations in the front office. The school ask that you call before you stop by to donate.

The school will also hold a benefit bake sale Friday morning at 7 AM and throughout the afternoon inside the front of the school.

A family member has set up a Go Fund Me Page.