Yesterday, amidst the euphoria of election celebration, a couple in East St. Louis, Illinois lost their home to a fire. Howard Mcallister is 75. A blue collar family man, he has worked to provide for his wife and to maintain the family's home. Howard has worked most of his life as a laborer, earning a living with his hands in construction, refrigeration, and a host of other efforts.
His wife, Annie Mcallister, turns 80 later this month. She's spent the majority of her life maintaining the home. Together, they raised Freida Clear, a hard working and passionate woman who made a good life for herself. This story is close to me because I know the two grandsons of the Mcallisters. Byron and Brandon Clear worked hard to become college athletes, both accepting football scholarships to Clemson. Both have graduated and are currently working on careers outside of sports. Byron himself moved to New York City to work on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and he's been involved in a number of other worthy causes. The Clear brothers are good people who have come from a good family.
The Mcallisters lived in their home for more than 40 years. On Thursday, a tragic fire swept through East St. Louis and took their home in the process. After a lifetime of hard work, the couple is left to pick up the pieces after their dream was reduced to little more than smoky embers. Both are known in the community for their compassion and have been very generous throughout their lives. They have lived through some of the most difficult civil rights situations of the last century, but this week will undoubtedly be their toughest. They've lost all of their belongings, including their cherished keepsakes and all of their clothes.
Perhaps most tragically, they even lost Max, the family dog. Though they are resilient people, they will need help to put the pieces back together. As Annie Mcallister turns 80 this month, I hope we can do something to restore her happiness during this difficult time. This couple has certainly earned it.
Brandon has set up a fundraising effort to help his grandparents get back on their feet. I hope you will chip in $3 to assist this great family in their time of greatest need.
Thank you for reading.