Feb 5, 2007 By Joyce Koballa 3 min read

DUNBAR – An outpouring of assistance from an array of donors, including fellow outdoorsmen, has enabled a family of six left homeless from a December house fire to move out of a local motel and begin rebuilding their lives at a Ferguson Road residence. Rob Gratson and Jane Woods, along with their four children ages 11 months to 13 years, moved into the three-bedroom structure shortly after New Year’s in hopes of one day calling it their “permanent” home.

“We have all the furniture and appliances in but the walls are still bare,” said Gratson.

The family was forced to take shelter at a Super 8 motel in Uniontown for the last month after escaping injury from a late night fire in early December that ripped through the modular home they were renting on the mountain and destroyed all their belongings, including Christmas gifts.

While the family managed to escape unharmed, Gratson said he lost years of files as a freelance outdoors writer not to mention a gun collection valued at more than $150,000 that wasn’t insured.

However the family’s two dogs weren’t so lucky and perished in the blaze.

According to Gratson, the house was not insured with the cause of the fire still being investigated by the state police fire marshal.

The family’s plight prompted friend Harvey Bauer of Greensburg to establish a relief fund for them while the Charleroi Federal Savings Bank in Connellsville is continuing to accept financial contributions.

“They have a tough road and its all uphill,” said Bauer.

Lloyd Richter, Gratson’s grandfather, also contributed by accepting telephone calls for the family during their transition.

Bauer, an outdoor photographer, said he met Gratson through the Pennsylvania Outdoors Writers Association, in which they are both members.

Both men are also moderators for www.huntingpa.com

, a family-oriented Web site for outdoor enthusiasts that Bauer said also captured tremendous feedback when Gratson’s loss was posted by another outdoorsman.

Bauer identified the man behind that effort as Jim O’Brien, regional coordinator for the Wheelin’ Sportsman’s Organization of the National Wild Turkey Federation who was instrumental in helping to obtain cash donations from as far away as California that was used to purchase toys for the family’s children.

O’Brien, who secures funding for sporting equipment for disabled sportsmen and conducts various outdoor shows through the Turkey Federation, even went a step further and donned Santa garb making an appearance on Christmas eve at Richter’s to distribute the toys.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” said Gratson.

According to Gratson, the family was also treated to a shopping spree at the Uniontown Mall furnished by a local business owner.

While it’s still hard to sleep at night, Gratson said the family is receiving counseling to help overcome their fear of waking up each time they hear a noise.

As a former volunteer firefighter, Gratson said it was scary to be the victim this time instead of on the outside looking in.

“I never expected this, but we’ll get through it,” said Gratson.

Gratson is majoring in English with a minor in psychology at PSU Fayette the Eberly Campus and Woods is majoring in human development also with a minor in psychology. They both are full-time students.