SAXONBURG — A Jefferson Township family of six who lost their home to a fire this month is approaching Christmas with a grateful heart.

An electrical fire destroyed the home of Patrick and Milissa Rodgers the night of Dec. 2.

Two pet dogs — a pair of older golden retrievers — perished in the fire, along with four cats and a rabbit.

The family's friends quickly stepped into action to raise money for the displaced family. An online fundraising drive on GoFundMe.org brought in more than $30,000 in a matter of days.

To date, more than $38,000 has been raised online, and the family has received numerous other gift donations.

But the community's support has continued beyond that, most recently with people attending a fundraising event Saturday at Cooper Hall.

“It's been very emotional,” Milissa Rodgers said. “It's been overwhelming with the response from the community — from our friends and people we don't even know.”

The event was organized by a group of close friends and included auctions, food and live music.

“It's amazing,” said Patrick Rodgers. “We still can't believe the support from everyone.”

The Rodgers and their children, ages 10 to 17, are staying with family in Penn Township. They plan to rebuild on their property at the corner of Saxonburg and Mushrush roads, but that may take more than a year.

For now, the family is still trying to create a list of everything lost in the blaze.

“We can't go in the home so we have to visually think what was in the house,” Milissa Rodgers said. “That's the hardest part for me.”

While years of belongings were lost, the mother of four said she was thankful her family got out safely.

“We still have our four kids,” she said. “So we're grateful.”

Milissa Rodgers said the children have been strong through the ordeal.

“They have good days and they have bad days, just like us,” the mother said.

The children have been maintaining an active involvement in sports and school clubs. In fact, the family arrived Saturday at the fundraiser from a basketball game earlier that morning.

“There's not much down time,” said Patrick Rodgers. “They all have a competitive work ethic.”

The father said he was proud of his children for continuing to maintain good study habits as well.

Friends of the family said the countless hours devoted to help the Rodgers came with no hesitation.

“They've given so much to the community over the years,” said Heidi Holben of Saxonburg. “This is our chance to help them.”

Patrick Rodgers said people have been showing up nonstop to make donations and to see how the family is doing.

Instead of doing a traditional Secret Santa this year, Paige Rodgers' fourth grade classmates got together and helped replace items she lost in the fire.

“That's so overwhelming that fourth graders would choose to do that,” Milissa Rodgers said. “It makes me cry.”

Milissa Rodgers said the community is evidence of good will during the holiday season.

“With all the bad in the world, it's nice to see that there are good people,” she said. “This is a great community that is showing it's better to think of others than themselves.”

The family's friends say the support is a sign of the Rodgers' character.

“This is a reflection of them,” said Gina Goodlin of Cabot.

One special fundraising effort came from a photographic collection.

Milissa Rodgers said losing a lifetime of photographs in the fire was perhaps the most difficult part.

To help the situation, friends helped track down past school pictures and photographs from sporting events.

“She always had a camera in her hand,” Goodlin said of Milissa Rodgers.

Milissa Rodgers said the different ways the community has supported her family will never be forgotten.

“Words can't describe it,” she said. “We live in a wonderful community.”