An Aberdeen family was left without a home just days before Christmas when a massive tree fell onto their house during a powerful windstorm early Wednesday morning.
At about 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 18, the tree crashed through the ceilings of two living rooms and the dining room.
Despite the extensive damage, none of the four family members inside the home were injured.
Julie Orrin, the homeowner, is a dedicated office administrator at New Beginnings Open Bible Church and recently returned from a mission trip to Uganda, where she worked in a medical clinic.
She and Teresa Simpson also co-own JOTS Jewels, a small business specializing in handmade jewelry. Many of their supplies were destroyed by the fallen tree.
The tree has left the family with significant repair costs, including tree removal and home reconstruction.
Additional nearby trees will also need to be removed to prevent future damage.
“My sister and I have been sleeping in our recliners lately, but tonight we were in our beds,” Orrin said. “The tree came through both living rooms and the dining room ceiling. We’re going to have a long process to go through now.”
The family has expressed gratitude for their safety and is seeking assistance to cover the costs of living arrangements, repairs, and other expenses.
A GoFundMe was started to aid in efforts to support the family as they work toward recovery.
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