EXETER, R.I. (WPRI) — A local business is helping its neighbors get back on their feet after a large brush fire last Thursday.
Gabe DeFrancesco and his father, who own Exeter Woodworks, were planning to participate in the annual holiday craft show at Bally's Twin River Casino on Nov. 30. But early in the morning on Thursday, Nov. 14, a brush fire broke out in the small wooded area next to their workshop and quickly spread to the building, charring the side and roof.
Most of the DeFrancescos' inventory was lost, and the internal smoke, soot and water damage may necessitate a complete rebuild of the workshop, which could take several months.
That's when Cozy Cabin RI owner Jessica Miller decided to craft a Rhode Island-themed ornament and donate the proceeds to Exeter Woodworks.
"One thing led to the other," Miller told 12 News. "It was being shared, it was being commented on, all over Facebook. I woke up on Friday to like 85 orders already, and then it kind of just snowballed from there. We're at over 200 orders for ornaments so far."
Miller said she's happy her family and the DeFrancescos were able to connect during this tough time, and hopes they can continue to support each other in the future. "If I can get them some sort of funds to help replace some of the things they lost, so they can get back on their feet, that's my main goal," she said.
The Rhode Island ornaments are available to order on Cozy Cabin RI's Etsy storefront.
