On Thursday, December 6, George Bradley’s world changed forever when a fire broke out at his North Street home.

Despite a quick response from the Wilmington Fire Department, the flames were fast moving and the home was left in ruins. One firefighter suffered an ankle sprain but amazingly in spite of the heavy damage no one, including the family cats, was seriously injured.

For Bradley’s neighbors the damage was almost incomprehensible.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking to look out my window and see nothing but the pile of rubble left behind,” said North Street resident Lilia Maselli

Seeing the home destroyed is just a small part of the disappointment these neighbors are feeling.

“My husband Mark and I already miss having George around,” said Maselli. “He’s the type of neighbor who is always there to help out. He keeps an eye on everything, watches out for our kids on the street, helps plow after snowstorms and even built our mailbox.”

Another local resident, Jennifer Connell, said that Bradley was an ideal neighbor, always will to help out others.

“George has always be a kind neighbor, helping us out in the winter by plowing our driveway and fixing our cars when we didn't really have the means or finances to do so ourselves,” said Connell. “He is well known in the neighborhood and a respected member of the town of Wilmington.”

A lifelong Wilmington resident herself, Connell has always been able to count on Bradley as a neighbor and now she wants to give back to him.

“My husband and I are working hard to get everything back for George,” she said. “He has been my neighbor for my entire life and I cannot even begin to fathom the toll this will take on a mental and emotional level.”

In true Wilmington fashion, Connell decided to be a good neighbor herself and set up a “Give Forward” page called Help George Rebuild.

“This tragedy would be calamitous any day of the year, but is especially heart wrenching during the holidays; a time for family, friends, love, thankfulness, and joy,” said Connell.

The goal of the page is to raise funds to help Bradley rebuild his home and remain in the North Street neighborhood he loves. 

In addition, Connell has teamed up with Cliff Marotta of Marotta Insurance Agency to begin collecting a number of different items to benefit Bradley and his efforts to rebuild. Ultimately, Connell’s goal is a fundraising event early in 2013 which will feature baskets, gift cards and other donated items ready to be raffled off to raise funds for Bradley.

Of course, since Bradley and his wife will be starting their lives from scratch, any basic household and personal items would also be appreciated.

If you would like to help George rebuild you can make a donation online at Help George Rebuild, drop donation items off at Marotta Insurance Agency or contact Connell by email at helpgeorgerebuild@yahoo.com.