An Ithaca family who lost their house in a fire last month says they are amazed and grateful for the support they have received from the community.

On December 29, Heather Swift, Brian Baker, and their two children escaped from a blaze in their home on Tareyton Drive in the town of Ithaca. Firefighters later declared the home a total loss.

The family also lost a car and all their possessions.

Julie Swain, a co-worker with Baker at IthacaSports.com, started a GoFundMe campaign for the family that raised over $17,000 in 10 days.

Swift said that while recovery is difficult, she and her family are doing their best to move past the tragedy.

“It can be a battle, but we’re looking hopefully toward the future,” she said. “Getting the kids in a place where they can be comfortable with feeling like they can return to normal everyday life.”

Swift also expressed her gratitude for all the support from the local community, saying that not all of it comes in the form of money.

“There’s many people who can’t afford to give you five dollars, and can’t spare a tube of toothpaste,” she said. “And those folks have reach out to us, and the love and prayers that are coming our way are just moving to us emotionally.”

Baker said the money raised will be a safety net for the family to meet their basic needs and replace things lost in the fire.

The GoFundMe page can be found here.