Fire destroys family’s home days before the start of school year

CHARLOTTE, NC — Yee Xiong, his wife and four kids have lived on Regehr Ave in west Charlotte for 12 years. Until Sunday, when their home went up in flames.

“I hope that my kids forgive me. Forgive me for this mess that happened,” Xiong said of the fire.

Investigators told Xiong the fire started because of an electrical outlet in his utility garage malfunctioning. Xiong blames himself. Not for the fire, but because of what the fire took.

“I feel like I have failed as a father. I can’t protect my family. I can’t provide,” Xiong said.

Neighbors saw the flames, and got the family out of the home in time. But the fire took everything.

Tools, toys, even a soccer ball ruined. That includes school supplies and uniforms for his four pre-teen kids and the start of school is just days away.

“They said that they are afraid that if they go to school, the teacher is not going to let them in, or are they going to call the parent because they don’t have the uniform, I assured my kids that somehow, someway we’re going to find all the stuff that they need,” said Xiong.

The family has been relying on donations. Even the shirt on Xiong’s back was given to him. This prideful father is now asking for help, to get his kids what they need for the first day of class.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve their love and kindness, but I will never forget the love and kindness that I received,” explained Xiong.

The family started a GoFundMe to help with items they lost.