Help the Khamala family in Durham

The Khamala family needs help, having lost their home and possessions in a fire last Sunday.  Lori Khamala, expecting a baby soon and until recently the head of the NC branch of the National Farm Worker Ministry and very involved in campaigns by the Farm Labor Organizing Committee and the Justice @ Smithfield campaign of UFCW, was not at home at the time, but her husband was severely burned and last I heard their pets escaped the fire but some are lost.  Below is a letter and address for condolences and donations. 

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

A dear friend of mine and the past director of the NC Office of the National Farm Worker Ministry, Lori Khamala, suffered a terrible tragedy this morning when her house in Durham burned to the ground. If you don't know Lori personally, you'll likely remember her from being very active on the FLOC and Justice at Smithfield campaigns, someone deeply committed to workers rights and social justice.

Lori was out of town when the fire happened and was not hurt but her estranged husband, Khamala, is at the UNC Burn Center suffering from serious smoke inhalation and second and third degree burns. According to a neighbor with whom I spoke, there was a huge explosion at the house around 9:30 this morning. Apparently, Khamala took the animals out of the house shortly before the explosion. The dog is fine but the cats have not yet been located.

As you may know, Lori is nearly 8 months pregnant, due to have a baby girl on March 1. We just had a baby shower for her last weekend where over 40 people were in attendance and she was literally overwhelmed with love and gifts for her little girl. [ ]

Lori had just the other day finished organizing the nursery in preparation for her little one and now she's left with nothing. Her home and all her personal belongings are gone. And from what I understand, her husband Khamala is in very serious condition.

I want to take up a collection for Lori to help her get back on her feet. She's got many friends offering places to stay but she's going to need to find long-term housing since her baby is due in just a few weeks. She's going to need to replace all the baby items she lost in the fire, not to mention her own clothes, furniture, etc. But most of all, she's going to need lots of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.

Lori is one of the most generous, caring and genuinely positive people I know. Let's come together, as her friends and colleagues to help her make a fresh start. If you'd like to send a card or a check, please send it care of Libby Manly, 205 W. Trinity Avenue, Durham, NC 27701 Checks should be made payable to Lori Khamala. Please put attention Lori somewhere on the envelope.

 

Sincerely,

Libby Manly