By C. C. Smith

January 7 is a day seniors Tyler York and Kaylee Bowlin will never forget.

It was the day the step-siblings lost almost everything when their house burned down.

The fire started while York was at varsity baseball practice and Bowlin was dozing off in her bed. Bowlin said the cable went out, which caused her to open her door and notice smoke.

Bowlin managed to grab her phone, phone charger, car keys and purse before escaping the burning house. Two women in the neighborhood had already called 911.

“You don’t think this kind of thing could ever happen to you,” Bowlin said. “You think you only see it on TV.”

But out of this dark situation has come light. Their family has received many donations from friends, family and the Red Cross Association.

“[These donations] are a positive experience coming from a tragedy,” Aaron Clark, York’s baseball coach, said.

The donations include clothes, toiletries, a credit card with several thousand dollars on it and a crock pot.

“I’ve received almost three times as many clothes as I used to have,” York said. “I’m very appreciative of everyone’s efforts.”

Bowlin returned to the house after the fire and was able to recover a few shirts, a bible and family pictures. Their English bulldog was discovered dead and their labrador has yet to be found.

The York-Bowlin family is currently living with York’s cousins.

“We almost lost everything, but everyone is donating so much,” Bowlin said. “Every time someone gives me something I want to cry because it’s just so sweet.”

Cash donations can be made to the rebuilding trust set up through Farmers and Merchants Bank into the Bowlin Relief Fund. A donation on behalf of their baseball expenses can be made with a check to Leon Baseball Booster, PO Box 38571, Tallahassee, Fl. 32315. Please write “Tyler York” on the memo line.

Tina Searcy is coordinating gift card and clothing donations for the family. The shirt sizes are medium and large for men and small and medium for women.

“The Bowlin family is extremely humbled and thankful for the overwhelming response and generosity they have been extended during this difficult time,” Ron Dye, Leon’s baseball booster president, said.

The Bowlin-York family has yet to decide about their future living arrangements.

According to Clark, the baseball team will be donating and coordinating fundraisers throughout the season.

“Certainly my heart goes out to the York-Bowlin family,” principal Rocky Hanna said. “I want them to know that all of us at Leon are here to help them through this tragedy.

“We are thankful no one lost their lives. You can replace property, but not lives.”