Community aids grieving families of fire victims

By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

Alicia C. Anguiano

Alicia C. Anguiano

Angelo Christian Martinez

Angelo Christian Martinez

A fire on the morning of July 2 at the Luxury Apartments in San Benito that claimed the lives of Alicia C. Anguiano, 64, and her 5-year-old grandson, Angelo Christian Martinez, both of San Benito, has motivated many in the community to come to the aid of the grieving families.

San Benito Fire Department Operations Chief Raul Zuniga said the reason for the fire is not being released as of press time. “We still have the investigation open,” Zuniga said. “We are finishing up our end, but I don’t know if we will be releasing anything anytime soon due to the fact (that this incident) involved two fatalities.”

Anguiano was the Transportation Department secretary for the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District. Anguiano had been employed with the school district since 1983. In June, she received a service award for having completed 30 years of dedicated service.

SBCISD Administration Building staff members have come together in light of this tragedy and wish to assist the Castillo, Anguiano and Martinez families. In a statement released by the district, employees have begun “collecting voluntary monetary donations to help the family defray funeral expenses. All monies collected will then be presented to Alicia and Angelo’s family on behalf of San Benito CISD employees.”

Members of the family are also raising money for funeral expenses as well as living expenses. This past Saturday, family and friends held signs and accepted donations at the Harlingen Chic-fil-A and McDonald’s. They are also accepting clothing donations which can be dropped off at the Luxury Apartments, located at 1000 E. Stenger St., apartment D-8.

Family members wish to raise $5,000 for expenses, and as of press time on Tuesday, they have collected over $2,000 via the personal fundraising website, Go Fund Me. Interested persons may access this account information here: gofundme.com/azhrew. Other ways to give include calling Irene at (956) 577-6685 or donating directly to the following Capital One account number for Elvira Cortez: 8285541264.

Anguiano’s family described her by saying, “She was very loving, unselfish, giving and always willing to help anyone in need. She dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. Alicia touched the hearts of everyone she met and always had a smile on her face. Although we know she walks with Christ, she will be loved and missed dearly.”

Officials within the district said, “We extend our most sincere and deepest condolences to the Castillo, Anguiano, and Martinez families. We ask for continued prayers for the family while they cope with the unexpected and sudden loss of their loved ones.”

A visitation for Anguiano and Martinez occurred on Tuesday in San Benito. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation of both will follow.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2014/07/08/community-aids-grieving-families-of-fire-victims/

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