Friends say an Oskaloosa woman who's known for being giving herself needs some giving in return. Helen Edgington lost her daughter Katherine and home in a house fire last week. The fire broke out in their house at 401 North A Street. Helen Edgington was able to escape, but

her last living child was confined to a wheelchair and couldn't get out. Now, the community is rallying to help Edgington any way it can. That's this week's caring community report.

Out of destruction Helen Edgington rises, but not alone!

"In a matter of an hour it went from a empty apartment to a home!", says Laura DeJong; Helen's friend.

After staying with her grand daughter for a few days Church members and friends helped Edgington move, construct, and fill every nook and cranny of this local apartment here in Oskaloosa.

Last week's fire took Edgington's home, her belongings, and her daughter's life, but it didn't take her faith. Wednesday it was strengthened when the community came to her aid with furniture, clothing, and other donations.

Helen's Pastor Dave Brown says, "It gives you a good feeling about people; about mankind. You know there is goodness about people. When they see a need they step forward. That is especially true of people in the Midwest."

Edgington knows the feeling you get from lending a helping hand. For more than 25 years she volunteered at the local Outreach Center that helps those in need.

"I wanted to see what I could do for Helen. And then people started asking me because I was in contact with Helen. Then we started pulling things together for her.", says DeJong.

As Edgington settles into her new dwelling there are some things possessions can't fill.

"People pray for Helen because this is the third child she has lost in three years. She lost a son three years ago and as I said I did a funeral three weeks ago for a daughter Kim on the 19th of January. Now three weeks to the day Kathy perished in the fire.", Brown added.

Anyone wishing to help Edgington can donate to the Helen Edgington Benefit Account at Valley Bank at 509 A Avenue West, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577.