In the days and weeks that have followed the tragic Jan. 2 fire which claimed the life of Carthage youth, 5-year-old Braden E. Westmoreland, benefits have been held with more planned for the survivors: Josh Davis, Ashley Watkins and their 5-month old child who escaped the blaze.

The benefits are being held in an effort to help rebuild the family’s lives.

Carthage hosted a chili cook-off and bake sale Saturday in the rural northwestern Rush County community and an unconfirmed report indicated that more than $1,000 was generated from the effort.

A local fundraising effort will be held Feb. 9 at the Westside Bar, 715 West Second Street, Rushville.

The local establishment will play host to two bands, Lost Kauze of Indianapolis and House Arrest of Metamora. The $10 admission cost for a couple ($7 for a single admission) will include a hog roast dinner and other activities, with all proceeds going to the young family.

Davis and Watkins are in their early 20s, and if losing a child was not tragic enough the couple also lost their home and all personal belongings.

Collection of household items, hygiene items, non-perishable food, bedding and clothing are currently underway.

The family escaped with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

Immediate needs include baby boy clothes sizes 12 to 18 months and diapers size 3 to 4.

The parents are in need of clothing items as well. Watkins, large tops, pants size 14 and shoes size 8 1/2 and Davis, 2X shirts, 38x34 pants and shoes size 12 to 13.

A trust fund for those in a position to financially assist the family was set up in the days that followed the fire at First Financial Bank with branches in Carthage and Rushville.

Additional information regarding the February benefit can be obtained from Mary Messer (765) 938-1485 or Michele Durham (765) 932-2130.

Rushville Mayor Merv Bostic recently relayed information that two individuals — Gary Ralston and Mike Gibson of the Carthage area — are raising funds to demolish and rebuild the home destroyed by the fire.

According to Bostic, the pair, with the assistance of others, are in the early stages of lining up contractors and are in the process of procuring lumber and other needed supplies for the project. Bostic has also put out a request to city employees to help with this project on their own time if they are so inclined and able to do so.