By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
Banding together to help out one of their own.
It's what the town of Jefferson, South Dakota did for the Schlotman family.
"Living in a small community, they have great support. They'll help anyone, we all kind of band together," said Deb Dailey of Jefferson.
On Sunday, the town had a pancake feed to help raise money for Shane and Amy Schlotman and their five kids after a fire on Christmas day last year took their home and everything they had.
"It was Christmas and people stopped by all day long; the firemen who gave up their Christmas because they were outside all day. Gosh, we were really surprised by all the people that came by to help," said Amy.
And it was that kind of help that would keep on coming.
After Ken Hagestrom, Shane's co-worker, heard about the fire, he knew he had to help. So, he started to plan a pancake feed.
"Basically I just made some phone calls. Shane does a great job for us. We thought he needed some help, rounding up some cash and just getting the community together to help out," said Ken.
After looking around during the fundraiser event, Shane was overwhelmed by the love and support in the room.
"It's a good feeling to know that other people care and want to come support us," he said.
The family is currently renting a home outside of Jefferson.
They hope to rebuild a new home in their old lot sometime later this year.
"You know, something horrible happened, but then you see the good side of so many people, and it almost becomes a good thing. It just has been really great to see how helpful everyone can be," Amy added.
If you'd like to help out the Schlotmans, you can make a donation to the "Schlotman Fund" at the Home Federal Bank in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota.
