Former Clemson football player seeks help for grandmother who lost everything in a house fire

Friday morning April 17th, tragedy struck a tight-knit family in Jacksonville, Florida. The home of former Clemson football player Tavaris Barnes’ grandmother went up in flames and smoke as a result of an electrical fire.

“Unfortunately, she didn’t have homeowners insurance so I am trying to raise funds for her to restore the house,” Barnes says. “This house is special to my family as it has been one of the few constants in my life. In fact, I was staying with her as I am in search of my next job after getting laid off by the XFL. My granny worked hard for this home.”

Barnes’ grandmother Daisy Young retired from her full-time job at First Coast High School this past fall at 72 years old after working there for 24 years. She started substitute teaching part-time to help pay the bills but because of school closures is unable to work right now.

Barnes says, “All funds raised through this campaign will be going to help the strongest and hardest working woman I know restore her home. We got a quote for professional cleaning to make the house more livable and that alone is going to be $3,000-$5,000 and we will also have to spend that much to get the house painted and we are still working to get an estimate to get the roof fixed and her stove replaced. I would also like to help her replace the furniture that you can see was ruined by this fire.”

Barnes wishes he could do more personally, but is so grateful for the support of the community during difficult times like this. “The XFL has stopped paying me and took all benefits. Neither of us can work at the moment,” he says.

Barnes says he would like to give thanks from the bottom of his heart, to all of those who are able to provide his family with assistance during these difficult times. “Even if you are not able to help financially, just saying a prayer for us would mean so much,” He says.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Clothing Donations

Barnes and his four young daughters had been living in the home and are now displaced to a hotel, while Pearl is living with a family friend. They are in immediate need of clothing and basic necessities. Cornerstone has designated a drop-off location for donated items. The first trip to deliver them will be made this Saturday, April 25th. The items and sizes needed and drop off location are listed below.

Monetary Donations

Barnes has also set up a gofundme page to raise funds for his grandmother and if you’d like to donate to that you can find the link below.

As many are aware, gofundme keeps a portion of all funds donated. For this reason Cornerstone has set up an account to raise funds where every penny of the money raised will go directly to the Barnes family. You may donate to this cause through paypal by clicking on the subsequent links below.

Cornerstone Cares Paypal

Link to Go Fund Me

If you’d like to donate physical items needed, please drop off to the address below by Friday, April 24th.

Cornerstone Wealth Advisory Group

8550 Dorchester Road

North Charleston, SC 29420

ITEMS NEEDED:

For Children

Little girl size 6/7 or 8 Clothing shoe size 1 Big Kid

Little girl size 5T/6 Clothing, shoe size 11 Child

Little girl size 3T/4T, shoe size 7 Child

Baby girl size 9-12 months, newborn shoe size