Christmas a little brighter for an Albany family - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Christmas a little brighter for an Albany family

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By Len Kiese - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) –Rebuilding after a fire isn't easy--especially during the holidays. We've been following the progress of an Albany family who lost everything just before Thanksgiving.

People are pitching in to get them back on track. Tuesday night, they got a delivery that's sure to make Christmas a little brighter.

There was a trunk full of gifts for a family with a lot to be thankful for--life. "It's just the idea that they could have died. I can hardly sleep at night sometimes," said Umeki Williams.

Umeki Williams can't get the image out of her head of what's left of her 7th Avenue home, and the thought of her husband and young son inside. "Only thing I remember was a flash," said Elgue Williams.

Elgue Williams credits 5-year-old Elijah with getting them out safely. "I took a five minute nap. He yelled 'fire'. Next thing I woke up to a blaze," said Elgue. But now he says it falls on him to get them back on their feet after losing everything.

"I'm used to working, paying the bills and stuff but it's just thrown me in a crossroad and I'm stuck," said Elgue. That's where a group by the name of Faith By Grace steps in with a little pick me up for the family.

They delivered Christmas gifts for Elijah and his 6-year-old sister Adriana. "It brings a smile to us. Between the four members of our group, we have 14 children so children are a big part of us and we love to see the smiles on their faces," said Bryan LaSalle with Faith By Grace.

The outpouring from strangers brings a mother to tears. "There are some good people in the world to help," said Umeki. The help couldn't have come at a better time to a family starting all over again. "There is a God," said Umeki.

Faith By Grace will also hold a gospel sing to raise money to help the Williams family move into another apartment. If you'd like to help, call 229-344-2794.

The family also will be in need of appliances and other help. For more information on how to reach them, email Faith By Grace at fbg2007@yahoo.com.

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