Johnston County company launches GoFundMe after employee's house burns down on Christmas Eve

Demetrius Snead’s family home is gone.

"I was in shock," said Snead. "Christmas Eve I was on my way home for my family gathering and the house was on fire."

His stepson, who was inside at the time of the fire, made it out safely, but their two dogs did not.

"I hope that don’t happen to nobody because it’s not a good feeling seeing all that you worked for burn down to the ground," said Snead.

The family had lived in the home for almost four years.

As soon as Snead’s employer, Anchor Disposal, heard about the tragedy, they knew they had to step in and help.

"As soon as we heard Christmas morning, we were on the phone with him," said Kerri with Anchor Disposal. "We knew right away that we had to do something."

So they started a GoFundMe page with a goal of $20,000. As of Sunday, they are more than halfway toward that goal.

Kerri said it’s mainly thanks to Anchor customers.

"The response that we have gotten from our customers is absolutely amazing," said Kerri. "This will be a great start for them to start all over."

Snead and his family know this will be a long road to recovery. They said they will take it one step at a time, but they could not be more thankful for Anchor Disposal.

"The words. I can’t even explain it. I love them dearly. I love them dearly,” said Snead. "You need somebody to lean on, and it feels good that you have somebody to lean on."

Most of all, he is thankful to be here.

”I’m here, I’m thanking God for being here," said Snead.

Snead's family is currently living with his stepdaughter.