Fire Nearly Destroys Central Jersey Family's Home: 'The Loss Is So Great'

A Monmouth County family's home was nearly destroyed by a fire, according to a fundraising campaign.

A GoFundMe page said the house in the Paddock Club in Marlboro caught fire on Thursday, Apr. 25. No one was reported injured but the Ditillo family's home and possessions "were almost completely destroyed."

The GoFundMe had raised more than $55,000 from at least 714 donations as of Monday, Apr. 29.

"The Ditillo family are known for their kindness and community spirit," wrote Alex Worth, a neighbor who created the GoFundMe. "They have always been the first to offer help to others in need. Now, they find themselves in need of our support."

The fundraiser had surpassed the $50,000 goal. Worth said that money would pay for temporary housing, clothes, and eventually rebuilding the Ditillo family's home.

In an update on Sunday, Apr. 28, the Ditillos said their lives have been "turned upside down" and they thanked loved ones for their support.

"This has been the most humbling of experiences in our existence," the family wrote in their statement. "Our family wants to thank you for crying with us, checking in on us, and for the absolutely astonishing generosity shown towards us.

"This tragedy has devastated our lives; the loss is so great. However, your kindness, concern, and compassion have touched our hearts in a way you will never know."

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The Ditillo family said they expect to be displaced for about a year.

"You have reminded us that no hardship is too great to overcome if you have a lot of friends and a loving community," the family wrote.

You can click here to see the Ditillo family's GoFundMe page.