Last Saturday morning, like many people in the Sioux Falls area, I was made aware of a house fire in town that tragically took the lives of three children. This story broke my heart.

Later that evening, when the names were released of the victims, I realized I knew the family. The mother, Rhiannon White, used to work with me at Dressbarn. We all knew her as Rhi and she was always a ball of fire and had such a fun sense of style.

I didn’t know the kids very well, but did meet them briefly at Rhiannon’s wedding this past summer.

I immediately felt I should do something. I wanted to call, but what do you say?

The employees at Dressbarn and I have decided to help in the best way we know how: provide clothes.

The manager had talked to Rhiannon Wednesday and she didn’t have anything to wear to the funeral. We decided to all pitch in for some new clothes for her.

However, her husband needs clothes as well. Not only that, but they lost everything so any donation is helpful.

Dressbarn will be accepting clothing/cash donations at the Sioux Falls location across from Wal-Mart on Louise.  Rhi is a size 4 in clothes and 9 in shoes. Her husband is 34x32 pants, large in shirts, and size 10 shoe.

Donations for the funeral can be made at Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union or First Premier Bank under the name Rhiannon White (Coon). Thank you all for your help.

The funeral service for Michael Hensley, 16, Savannah Coon, 12, and Alivia Coon, 6 will begin at 10:00 am Monday, December 31 at Celebrate Community Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation begins at Miller Funeral Home at 1:00 pm Sunday, with family present from 2:00pm to 4:00 pm.

 

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