Community benefit set for Saturday to aid couple after house explosion
A fundraiser will be held Saturday at American Legion Post 279 to help a Jacksonville couple recover after an Oct. 10 explosion destroyed their home and sent them to the hospital. The event will raise money for medical bills and rebuilding costs, and offers residents a way to support longtime neighbors while circulating funds through local businesses.
A benefit event will be held Saturday at American Legion Post 279, 903 W. Superior Ave., to assist Kelly and Johnny Collins after an Oct. 10 explosion leveled the home where they lived. The gathering will begin at 1 p.m., with a live auction scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Organizers say proceeds will go toward medical expenses and the couple's plans to rebuild at the site of the blast.
The house on the 2100 block of East Morton Avenue was built by Kelly Collins' father and grandfather. The explosion destroyed the property and sent both Collinses to the hospital. Kelly Collins suffered burns to her face, hands, hair and knees. Johnny Collins sustained similar burns and a singed airway that continues to make breathing difficult. The couple have been released from the hospital and are staying with their daughter while they recover. Winter weather has slowed plans to rebuild, leaving an immediate need for funds to cover treatment and initial reconstruction work.
Organizers arranged food, a 50 50 drawing, raffles and the live auction as part of the benefit. The menu will include pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, chips and dessert served on a first come, first served basis. A $5 donation will be requested at the door and additional donation buckets will be available at the food table. Raffle boards will each have 100 chances and will feature a television and a pellet grill. Auction items include a second pellet grill, furniture and a gun cabinet, along with gift baskets that contain a range of gift certificates from local businesses, a wheelbarrow full of tools, a movie themed basket, and baskets aimed at children and pets.
The event serves both humanitarian and local economic purposes. Funds raised will address immediate out of pocket medical and housing needs that can be costly and slow to resolve through insurance and public assistance. The inclusion of gift certificates and purchases from local vendors channels spending back into Morgan County businesses at a time when construction and health related expenses are likely to strain household budgets. Donations also can be made at Heartland Bank, 2130 E. Morton Ave., to the account name Johnathan and Kelly Collins. Organizers emphasize the benefit is intended to help the Collinses regain a footing and move forward after losing their home.
