LAPD collecting donations for family who lost everything in fire

MAR VISTA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are collecting donations for a family who lost everything in a house fire in Mar Vista.

Firefighters say the fire broke out Monday night at the one-bedroom home in the 4800 block of South Centinela Avenue after a candle tipped over.

Alex Lopez, his wife and their three older children -- two teenagers and a 24-year-old -- were inside at the time, but they were able to escape. The family lost all their birds, as well as their Christmas tree and presents.

But thanks to the kindness of LAPD officers, the Lopez family was presented with an envelope filled with hundreds of dollars. The money was collected by the officers of the LAPD's Pacific Division.

"I think we all know that it's tragic for anything like this to happen to any family and then to compound it with the holiday season," Capt. Nicole Alberca said.

She added that her officers simply wanted to help a family in a time of need. The LAPD Pacific Community Police Station is around the corner from the scene of the fire, and residents have been stopping by to drop off donations to help out the Lopez family.

Donors can drop off clothing and household items at the LAPD Pacific Community Police Station located at 12312 Culver Blvd., or visit www.badgeofheart.org.

Alex Lopez said the generosity his family received will help brighten up their Christmas.