By Bridget Hall Grumet, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 24, 2010
Amanda Short and T.J. Cater lost their home and dog in a fire. Their son, Tanner Cater, turns 2 on Sunday, but all his birthday and Christmas presents were lost in the fire.
HOLIDAY — Two weeks ago a fire took everything — their home, their beloved dog Rascal, all their earthly possessions, even the Christmas tree and the wrapped gifts underneath.
And just as quickly, strangers swooped in to help Amanda Short, her fiance, T.J. Cater, and their 2-year-old son, Tanner, get back on their feet.
People gave clothes. Toys. Gift cards to Walmart and Publix and Toys R Us.
A man donated his 30-foot camper. Another man let the family take whatever they needed from his mother's estate sale.
Employees at one local company decided not to do the usual holiday gift exchange at the office ...