Community benefit to help family after children killed in house fire

CONROE, Texas – More than a week after Shenandoah Police and Montgomery County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a fire that took the lives of three children in a Montgomery County home.

The fire tore through several homes.

[READ: 3 children found dead after Montgomery County house fire, officials say]

On Saturday, the community held a donation drive and car wash to raise money, goods and clothing to benefit the family.

Terrence (TJ) Mitchell, 13, 6-year-old Kaila Mitchell, and 5-year-old Kyle Mitchell were the victims of the May 12 fire that spread rapidly on Johnson road in Tamina.

The Mitchell's neighbors and extended family, the Johnsons, were also displaced.

One of the Johnsons is a student at York Junior High. She lost her home. TJ Mitchell's track team coaches and teammates partnered with York Junior High to put on a benefit and car wash.

"We're doing a car wash, clothing drive and food. Just doing everything we can to help the family," said Kristie Keene, assistant coach of the Gulf Coast Elite Track Team.

Keene coached TJ for about a year and a half.

"No matter how hard it was, he always had a smile on his face...Today we're putting in work," Keene said.

His teammates all joined in, sponge in hand.

"I'm here to get my car wash just to help in any way that I can," Bethany Rees, a teacher at the Conroe School District, said. "Conroe is a family and whenever someone is in need we all come together."

More than a dozen people came with bags of clothes, canned goods, gift cards and money. Parents in the district were emailed about the benefit. Many who did not know the family still came.

"There's a community here that supports them and loves them," parent Jocelyn Tanaka said.

"I'm giving two trash bags full of clothes formal clothes and shoes," resident Christine Meine said.

Organizers said they received about two dozens boxes of clothes, canned goods and a couple hundred dollars.

"Our prayers are with the family," Keene said. "We hope we can just help in any way we can."

Keene said they are still accepting donations. If you would like to contribute you can email Keene at KristieKeene@yahoo.com