WATSONTOWN -- Community members are raising money for Brian Gresh and his family, whose home was heavily damaged by fire on Dec. 8.

The Watsontown Ministerium and Watsontown Area Business Association are heading up the drive.

"He's not sure if he'll be able to rebuild," Gresh's sister, Julie, said. "There was a lot of damage, and they lost everything."

Julie Gresh, who is speaking for the family, said her sister-in-law is in a nursing home, and her brother and his 15-year-old daughter lost almost all their clothes and personal belongings in the blaze, including a collection of antique toy trains. Her nephew is in the service, stationed in Nevada. Her mother, who lived in the other side of the double house, has been in a nursing home for some time.

An overheated wood stove was the cause of the midday blaze, fire officials said. The damage was estimated at $105,000.

"Until they know what's up with the insurance company, they can't do anything at the house," Julie Gresh said.

She said her niece is staying with friends, and her brother is staying at her house.

"Everywhere they go to look at an apartment, they want a year lease," she said. "They can't do that until they know what's up with their house."

For information, call Cindie Steese-Lytle at 713-4301 or Julie Gresh at 547-7116. Donations to the Brian Gresh Relief Fund may be sent in care of the Northumberland County Schools FCU, Box 455, Milton, PA 17847.