The Waugaman family's house was destroyed by fire Saturday night. However, they said they are fortunate that no one was hurt. Bill and Nikki Waugaman and their children pose in front of some of the clothes that have been donated.

WASHINGTON TWP — A family of six lost its home Saturday night, but assistance from friends and neighbors has the victims feeling optimistic.

The Waugaman family returned home from a Thanksgiving celebration Saturday to find the basement of their home engulfed in flames. Their home on the 2700 block of Oneida Valley Road is a total loss.

And yet, Bill and Nikki Waugaman — as well as their sons, Jake, Luke, Dylan and Davey — are not feeling despair. The boys are 13, 11, 7 and 5 years, respectively.

“It was a bad situation,” Nikki Waugaman said. “But it was wonderful in the sense that before our house was even burnt we just felt loved by everybody. We met new neighbors who were there with us the entire night.”

Some friends in the Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department transformed the department's social hall into a gathering place for donations. A couple members spent much of Tuesday sorting donated clothes into bags and labeling them with the boys' names.

“The important things are right here,” Bill Waugaman said, his arms around his family. “The rest of it is stuff. It can be replaced. A lot of it is already being replaced through everyone's generosity.”

No one was hurt in the fire, but the family dog, Helix, died. Helix was a Shih Tzu-yorkie mix. The boys all said they were very sad about the loss.Bill and Nikki Waugaman said they've been shocked by the support they've received. They said before the fire was out, donors were already pledging money to a GoFundMe page.Two legitimate online donation drives were established, Bill Waugaman said. A GoFundMe page organized by Abby Campbell is legitimate, he said, and so is another organized by Eric Redmond.Both drives were set up without the other organizer realizing, he said, explaining the duplication.The family is alternating between staying at their two parents' houses.Bill Waugaman works at AK Steel. He said that coworkers started their own collection for him.The couple said they hope to rebuild on the same lot eventually. Next to their demolished home is a garage they finished just a few weeks ago.A neighbor ran over, Nikki Waugaman said, and told the firefighters, “Make sure you save their garage.”

As for donations, the couple said they've received everything they need for now.Jennifer Rottman, an EMS worker helping organize the donations, said they'll be putting out the word if the family's needs change.Melissa Vargo, another member of the fire department, gave a simple explanation as to why she is helping.“They're our friends,” she said. “That's what you do. You help your friends and your neighbors.”The house did not have power on the day of the fire. Bill Waugaman said the extent of the damage made knowing what caused the burn difficult to pinpoint.On Tuesday, the boys sounded appreciative of the assistance that the family has received.“Thanks to all the family and friends (who) helped support us,” Luke said.

The home of Bill Waugaman, his wife and four children still smolders Tuesday after a fire destroyed it Saturday night. The family is amazed at the outpouring of support from friends and neighbors.

Firefighters from Oneida Valley Fire Department battle a fire at the Bill and Nikki Waugaman house on Oneida Valley Road Saturday night.