Neighbor House Fire

You could have them over for dinner?

I imagine if it was a kitchen fire, that they might not able to cook for themselves?

Now's a good time to introduce yourselves :) Do they have children you age, can you offer to babysit while they meet with claims adjusters etc. Insurance should cover their physical needs, but offering a hand in anyway possible, maybe have them over for a meal, ask what they need...

Our neighborhood has set up meal chains for people in need - everyone signs up for a different night (usually 3 times a week since there are leftovers) and the family indicates their preferences.

There is also a website called Lotsa Helping Hands that I just heard about - it is free, and someone could help these neighbors set up a list/schedule of needs. THen anyone who wants to help goes to the website and signs up for whatever they feel comfortable doing, either in terms of schedule or the type of task. There might be things they need that sound surprising - like taking the kids to dance or Scouts, so that they can be home to wait for the appraiser or the contractor. It saves the family in need from having to coordinate all the well-meaning helpers, which is just one more task they don't need to do.

Good luck! I am sure they will appreciate your efforts.

How kind of you! I'd say, make an easy meal, since their kitchen is out of commission. Maybe a baked mac and cheese or some kind of baked ziti that would give leftovers? That is awful... what a horrible time of year to boot. I am sure they will appreciate any food offering you make. Let me know if you need any recipes - I have a good one for each of those suggestions.

Hi A.,

I hope everyone was ok at the site of the fire.

I was thinking that if you could bring a meal over they would probably appreciate that. Also, how about a gift certificate to a kitchen store so they can replace some of what they lost in the fire?

Jen M.

Maybe a gift card to go out to eat since they no longer are able to use the kitchen-or maybe make a meal to go! Your a kind neighbor!

You're very kind to think of this. As others have said, you can start by introducing yourself. Obviously this is not the ideal occasion for it but seize it anyway.

This may seem odd, but perhaps you could buy them a little microwave. Their homeowners insurance will cover a good one later but for now they will probably need a little one just for zapping meals once the neighbourly gifts of cooked meals ends.

If that is too odd for you, the other suggestions of a gift card to a restaurant or meals that are already cooked for them is great.

You're a nice neighbour!

Hi A.,
How nice of you to be so considerate! A nice warm homemade meal would probably be appreciated, especially with the mess in their kitchen!! Or maybe a gift card to a local restaurant.

I wish them luck!
M.

Hi A.,
Go over, stick your hand out to shake, and say, "Hi, I'm A.. I heard about the fire. Is there anything I can do to help? Do you need some refrigerator space?" Bringing them food or inviting them over for supper are nice ideas.
So nice of you,
: ) Maureen