SOUTH GATE, Calif. (KABC) -- The community of South Gate is coming together to help out an extended family of 10 whose home was destroyed in a New Year's Day fire.
The flames erupted early New Year's Day at the home on Wilson Avenue, quickly destroying everything inside - belongings, Christmas gifts, even the car in the garage was damaged.
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Firefighters and community members have been dropping off bags of donations to the family, including clothes, children's toys, diapers and other essentials.
The family members are grateful for the help - and even more thankful that no one was seriously hurt in the blaze, including the five children, ages 2 to 13.
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"It's a blessing no one got hurt," said Susana Mendez, one of the home's residents. "The material can be fixed and replaced but lives can't be so this is a true miracle."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.