The story is tragic: Two volunteer firefighters, trying to save the life of a woman trapped in her burning home, die when caught in a roof collapse. Each is survived by a wife and two children.

But the story has a ray of hope, in the tremendous outpouring of support from community members to help out the families of Robert Heminger and Kenny Woitalewicz, Wood River Volunteer Firefighters who died as a result from injuries they received in the Valentine's Day fire.

The Grand Island West TA, at Exit 305 off I-80 in Alda, held a fundraiser in March for Eva Heminger and Melissa Woitalewicz, who both worked there in the past.

"This is such a small community, we've all been in shock," says Mike Swanson, general manager of the Grand Island West TA. "This tragedy has affected all of us in some way. We just wanted to do what we could to give back."

The location donated half of all receipts from its Country Pride Restaurant on March 27, to the families. It also offered entertainment from a gospel band and fire safety awareness materials to diners.

"The firefighters were familiar faces as customers," Swanson said. "We're all feeling this loss and would like to help provide for their children's education."

GIVE

Donations for the families of Heminger and Woitalewicz can be sent in care of the Wood River Firefighters' Family Relief Fund at the Heritage Bank, 110 E. Ninth St., Wood River, NE 68883.