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Residents Are Quick To Help Young Family

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: January 21, 2009

RIVERVIEW - Offers of help are pouring in for a young couple burned out of their house when a pan of French fries caught fire in their kitchen Jan. 5.

As of last week, businesswoman Stacy Self had received more than 190 e-mails from people around the Tampa Bay area offering help, donations and gift cards.

Larry Bunkley, his fiancee Tina Henderson and their 3-month-old baby, Lilly Bunkley, were displaced after the fries he was cooking caught fire while he dozed in another room.

When news spread about their ordeal, the response was amazing, Self said.

"They got five nights free in a hotel with a kitchen and living room, they got a baby mattress, donated clothes, a washing machine, toys, a leather sofa and chair and a dining room set with five chairs."

The couple also received several offers for places to live, but nothing has worked out just yet. They are hoping to find a house or apartment that will also accommodate their dog, Peanut.

"It's been unbelievable," Self said. "I could make this a full-time job."

The couple also received help from the Emergency Care Help Organization in Brandon, the American Red Cross and members of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. They also got assistance searching for an apartment from the Greater Brandon Community Foundation.

"So many people are reaching out," said Bunkley, a former U.S. Marine. "It's weird. It's been surprising, and I've been amazed at how quickly everything went down."
Smoke damage destroyed most of what the family owned, including everything they had for the baby, Henderson said.

WANT TO HELP?
Ruskin businesswoman Stacy Self has agreed to serve as a clearinghouse for any help the community might offer to Larry Bunkley, his fiancee Tina Henderson and their 3-month-old baby, Lilly Bunkley. To assist with cash donations or to offer any other assistance, contact Self at stacyself@ hotmail.com.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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