Family burned out of home receives donations

SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida family whose home was set on fire is receiving donations from the local community.

Caridad Borroto shed tears on Sunday after receiving donations from several companies including, Sears, City Furniture and Habitat for Humanity. "We'll be donating a fridge, something like this, as well," said Sears store manager Jason Anglada. "Everything is for you."

A week ago, she returned home from vacation to find everything inside the Hialeah home she she had shared with her mother and daughter torched.

Joel Martos, her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child, was arrested in the case and charged with arson, stalking and violating a restraining order. Martos is now out on bond.

Despite the awful incident, the family is grateful for the kindness of strangers. "Something horrible happened in the family, and it's nice to see strangers coming forward to help," said the victim's cousin, Jackie Castillo.

Gift cards, cash and a showroom full of appliances were donated to Borroto to help the mother who cannot speak or hear. She gets by on a disability check of about $700 a month. "She's surprised. For the first time it's happened, it's a gift for her, thank you for your support. She's happy," said interpreter Davin Solomon.

Anglada, the store manager at the Sears Appliances store at Dadeland North Shopping Center, started the initiative. "Woke up in the morning, saw the news, saw what was going on, touched my heart, had to react," he said.

The property managers quickly got on board and encouraged all their tenants to help. City Furniture and Habitat For Humanity donated as well. "The response was overwhelming, and this is a wonderful example of the way the community responds to such a terrible a tragedy," said Dadeland North Managing Partner Philip Leitman. "We're delighted to be a part of it."

Former University of Miami quarterback Craig Erickson donated cash and even signed a football. Even massages were donated to help Borroto deal with this emotionally difficult time. "That's what we do here in Miami," said Anglada. "We go through hurricanes, we go through things, we stand up for our community."

If you would like to make a donation to the Borroto family, please send them to:

Sears Home Appliance Showroom
6605 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, Fl 33143
Phone: 305-669-5316

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