Days Before Christmas, Family Devastated by Fire

Just five days before Christmas, a chimney fire devastated the home of an East Quogue family, but the community is coming together to give the heartbroken family a holiday.

According to the East Quogue Fire Department, the fire broke out at the home of the Duffy family Saturday evening and volunteer fire department members, who were in the middle of their holiday party, rushed to the scene. 

The department's swift action allowed the family to salvage some personal items and Christmas gifts, but the house is unlivable, said a family friend who wished not to be named. 

The family is now staying with friends and family.

Community members, who know the Duffy family as as family of four, who always gives back to the community, immediately sprang into action started a collection drive, passing a message around Facebook on Monday asking for cash donations that will be used to purchase gift cards.

Already, the community responded with donations pouring in with a donation drop scheduled at the East Quogue Elementary School between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday. 

Donations can also be dropped at the following locations: 

• 11 Whitewood Court, East Quogue
• 2830 Quogue Riverhead Road, East Quogue
• 2 Amy's Path, East Quogue
• 4 Pleasant Ave, Westhampton
• 6 Mickies Way, Westhampton Beach