Peninsula PTO launches fundraiser after storm destroys family’s home

MOSES LAKE — After a destructive windstorm tore through Moses Lake late last month, the Peninsula Elementary School community is rallying behind a family who lost their home when a massive tree crashed through it, trapping a teenage girl and destroying a young boy’s bedroom. 

According to the GoFundMe created by the Peninsula Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, the tree landed directly on Juan’s bedroom, destroying all his belongings. His sister, Isabella, was trapped in the home and had to be rescued by first responders. 

Both children survived, but the family’s home was rendered uninhabitable. They are now staying with relatives as they begin the long process of rebuilding. 

The effort to support the family began when school counselor Debbie Horney contacted PTO volunteer Illyssa Redmond. Redmond said she initially feared the call meant one of her own children was in trouble but instead learned that a Peninsula family had lost everything. 

“She told me that we had a family at Peninsula whose home was lost due to the storm, and she wanted to help them, but she wasn’t entirely sure what to do,” Redmond said. 

Because the mother primarily communicates through the school’s ParentSquare app and faces a language barrier, the PTO worked through Horney to confirm what support the family could accept.  

At the time, the mother said she was not able to take physical items due to temporary housing constraints but agreed to a GoFundMe. 

Redmond said the photos the mother shared show the tree resting directly on Juan’s bedroom.  

“My jaw dropped when Debbie sent me the email with the pictures,” Remond said. “I said, ‘Wait, what? And Isabella was stuck in that.’” 

The Blue Bridge Alliance, working through the Moses Lake Police Department, has already purchased clothing for both children. But Redmond said the family’s most pressing need is stable housing. 

“They’re staying in a family member’s house at the moment. So I think that one of their top needs is finding more permanent housing for them,” she said. “Even if they needed a deposit for a rental, enough to just get them started.” 

Funds raised through the GoFundMe will go toward replacing belongings, covering housing costs and supporting the family during their displacement. The PTO is also accepting cash, checks and gift cards in its office drop box. 

Because the family cannot store donated items, Redmond said the best way to help is by spreading the word. 

“Sharing the post in general, getting as much traction behind it as possible is honestly the best way to help them,” she said. 

She plans to continue posting updates on Facebook and through the GoFundMe page as the family’s needs evolve. 

Juan, a first grader now entering second grade, and Isabella, who will be a 10th grader next fall, are both part of the Peninsula school community. Redmond said the trauma of losing a home is especially difficult for a young child. 

“In first grade, that’s a hard thing to wrap your mind around. What do you mean I don’t get to go home, I don’t get to have my bedroom and my toys and all of my things again?” she said. 

Redmond said she felt compelled to help because of her deep connection to the school. 

“I love acts of service, I am really passionate about Peninsula being one of the best elementary schools here in town,” she said. “We really love our kids, we really love our families, and we want to take care of them.” 

She hopes the fundraiser shows the family that they are not alone as they recover from the storm. 

“When we can come together as one, it makes a huge difference in somebody’s life,” she said. “Whether they can get $5,000 out of this or even just $500, it can change somebody’s life.” 

For those interested in donating to the GoFundMe visit: bit.ly/PeninsulaPTO.