After living in a housing project after her husband's death, Violet Ford and her three children were thrilled to finally have a house.

The house they were renting on 716 S. Seventh Street was destroyed by a fire Friday evening. No one was injured, but the family lost all of its Christmas presents and the family cat.

Cindy Evans, one of Ford's former neighbors, has set up a fund to help the family. Ford has a daughter in her 20s, and two teenage sons.

"They are the sweetest people," Evans said.

The fund will be set up at Ohio River Bank at 221 Railroad Street. Also, Evans is collecting donations such as food, clothing and blankets, and is willing to pick them up herself. Anyone who would like to donate can call her at 532-1718.

Currently, the Ford family is living with a neighbor. Evans said she hopes to find someone who owns rental property to help them find another place to live, and possibly help them with the first month's rent.

Also, Evans said she may have found the family another cat.