DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Teton County community is rallying around a local couple and their granddaughter after an early morning fire destroyed their home last week.
Donations at Driggs Elementary School have overwhelmed boxes and overflowed a car trunk with kitchen and bathroom essentials, clothing and brand new items.
“We just really care for the student who lost her home in the fire. Her grandmother also used to work here, so we have connection to her. And we know that they’re just a dear family and our heart just goes out to them. And that’s really big trial. And we wanted to support them in whatever way we could,” Driggs Elementary School librarian Patricia Jacoby said.
One of the homeowners, Tony Shupe, says he is still in shock but believes the outpouring support has been overwhelming.
“It’s kind of crazy. The overwhelming feels like the head spinning from the fire and all that. And then now all the donations are starting to come in, and part of this is going, okay, well, where do we put this stuff?” Shupe said, “We never expected this much love from the community and just some of them were just random people that just heard about this story.”
Garage Fire Destroys Nearby Home
The fire broke out last Friday, January 30th, when a nearby garage burst into flames, quickly spreading to the nearby home. While the homeowners, only identified as Jen and Tony, were able to evacuate safely along with their granddaughter, the fire left the house in ruins.
Quick intervention by local firefighters prevented the flames from claiming a second nearby home. However, the initial residence and nearly all the family’s belongings were destroyed.
RELATED: Early morning garage fire heavily damages Teton County home
How to Help: Donation Drive
The Driggs Elementary School community is coming together to support Tony and Jen’s family, that is now starting over. In a Facebook post on the school community page, neighbors outlined a list of items for donation:
| Men’s Wear | Pants (40×32), Tops (XL/2XL), Shoes (10.5) |
| Women’s Wear | Pants (XL), Tops (XL), Shoes (7) |
| Youth Boy | Pants (32×32), Tops (M/L), Shoes (10.5) |
| 3rd Grade Girl | Pants (Kids XL/Women’s M), Tops (Women’s M), Shoes (5) |
| Essentials | Hygiene toiletries, kitchen items, beds, linens, and furniture |
Items can be dropped off directly at the Driggs Elementary School or Tetonia Elementary School building.
“Thank you, DES community, for always showing up with such generosity and care,” said Jacoby in the post.
GoFundMe
In addition to the donation drive, a GoFundMe organized by neighbor Kelli Grove is raising funds for temporary housing and immediate living expenses.
“Our hearts are heavy as we share the story of a loving grandmother (Jen) and grandfather (Tony) who have lost everything in a sudden house fire,” wrote organizer Kelli Grove. “Their home was not just a house—it was a safe haven where they have been raising and caring for their young granddaughter, providing her with stability, love, and a sense of family.”
“These grandparents have always put family first, stepping up to care for their granddaughter with unwavering love and dedication. Now, they need our help.”
As of noon on February 2, the fundraiser has reached over $2,900 toward its initial $5,000 goal. For more information, click HERE.
