Several local dairy barns took in cows as part of efforts to assist the Mock family following their barn fire Wednesday, Oct. 22. Zach Zimmerman/Butler Eagle

Anyone who’s spent any time around farm families know that they stick together.

So it’s no surprise that when the barn on the Mock family’s dairy farm burned on Wednesday, Oct. 23, there was an outpouring of support from other dairy farmers and the community at large.

By midday Friday, a GoFundMe started after the fire had already raised more than $43,000 of an $80,000 goal.

Dawn Mock said her family was touched by what people have done.

“It’s been overwhelming,” Mock said. “The community, our neighbors, the farmers, the firefighters. They’ve been great to us.”

The fire that started Wednesday morning in the Mock’s barn left the structure a total loss. Family members were able to get some equipment and all of the cows out of the barn, so no people or animals were killed, but the aftermath is still devastating.

The barn was more than just part of the operation, it was where the house’s water and electricity came out of.

Organizer Kelly Kulbacki praised the family in the introduction to the GoFundMe.

“If you know the Mock family, you know they have huge hearts and are known for their generosity and kindness,” she wrote. “They are always willing to help others when in need. Let’s come together as a community and help them recover from this heartbreaking loss and let them know they are not alone.”

Support like this is a reminder of the strength of community and how we can all help in times of difficulty.

— JK