News : Fund-raiser set for Nov. 5 for family that lost van in fire

Jerry and Peggy James are facing illness while raising three of their grandchildren; the family needs help replacing a van destroyed by fire. The minivan fire that filled downtown Vinton with the smell of smoke last week also deprived an area family of a vehicle needed to take one of its members for dialysis treatments. Now, friends and family the James' are organizing a fund-raising dinner for Nov. 5, at the Atkins Pavillion, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The James both have medical conditions that require frequent trips to medical facilities, including dialysisappointments. The couple also has custody of three of their grandchildren. The event will include a meal, bake sale and silent auction. Penny Cook is organizing the event, and accepting donations of items for the silent auction as well as things necessary for the dinner, including napkins, paper plates, bottled water, plastic tableware, cups and more. Monetary donations are also welcome. For more information, call Cook at 319-573-6366, or email pcook@netins.net. See the family's Go Fund Me page HERE. See the story about the fire, with a video of that fire, HERE.