Ken and Debbie Peel are well known around the area for their farm-fresh foods. Ken worked for Regional Media at one time, and now works for a church, and Debbie works out at the Kewanee Sale Barn. Their house was built in 1900 and they have lived there for 20 years this coming March. Update below.
On Saturday, Ken and Debbie were outside doing chores when a customer stopped by for some farm-fresh eggs. When Debbie went to the basement to get the eggs, she encountered smoke. They attempted to extinguish the fire with buckets of water, but the fire had already travelled to the second floor of the house. They quickly became overcome by smoke and evacuated the residence and called 911.
The fire started in the chimney and travelled to the second floor and attic. The upstairs and attic are totally burned said Ken. They won’t know if the house is salvageable until the adjuster is done. The house is not livable so they are staying with their children, who live in Toulon and Kewanee. Ken said their animals are accounted for and ok. After they determine what belongings are salvageable, they will share a list of necessities. Until then, there is a link below for a GoFundMe started by a family friend.
Kewanee Community and Kewanee Fire Departments responded and requested mutual aid from Toulon, Annawan, Galva, Neponset, and Bishop Hill.
Donate to a GoFundMe started by a family friend here.
UPDATE:
Update from Kaitlin Hunt: “Our thoughts are with Debbie Peel and Ken Peel and their families and animals. I thought I’d share this go fund me I created. I also want to announce that Seth Mela has also started one. It doesn’t matter which one you donate to all proceeds go to Debbie and Ken. My kids and I are also accepting Walmart gift cards, Amazon gift cards and cash donations to help. We are also hoping to nail down more specific items they are in need of when they get a chance.
I know times are rough especially with the holidays but if you can please donate and or send your prayers to this family.
If you cannot donate money but want to help I am looking for men’s pants or jeans size 42×30, men’s shirts size 2x, size 12/13 shoes. Debbie is in need of size medium shirts, size 10 pants, and size 8 shoes.”
Some immediate needs they are looking for are
Walmart gift cards for under garments
Size 42×30 men’s jeans, pants, sleepwear
Size 2x shirts for men
Size 12/13 tennis shoes , and dress shoes.
Size medium womens shirts
Size 10 womens pants, jeans, sleepwear
Size 8 shoes tennis shoes, and dress shoes.
Winter coats hats gloves earbands etc.
