The small community of Crothersville is rallying behind a family of five that lost their home and belongings in a fire Saturday afternoon.

Two local businesses are collecting donations for Wesley Jones, Shynna Jent and their three young daughters.

Dollar General, 300 N. Armstrong St., Crothersville, is accepting anything people want to bring, said store manager Lori Schroeder.

“They lost everything,” Schroeder said.

Jent has worked at the store for about a year, and her home at 301 N. Vine St. could be seen from the store, Schroeder said.

Beauty From Ashes Tattoo Parlor, 218 N. Armstrong St., just south of Dollar General, also is taking donations. Anyone dropping off items will receive a $25 gift certificate, said business owner Kyle McIntosh.

Items needed immediately include size 4 diapers, girls shoes and clothing in sizes 18/24, 4T and 5T; men’s size large shirts, size 11½ shoes and 32/32 pants; and women’s medium shirts, size 3-5 pants and size 8 shoes.

Other items being accepted include toys, toiletries and nonperishable food items.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

The fire was reported to county dispatch at 3:58 p.m. by the family. Crothersville-Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department personnel arrived on scene at 4:02 p.m. and remained there until 8:59 p.m., Fire Chief Charles Densford said.

He said Jent and the children left the home, and Jones mowed the lawn. Jones left the home after he finished mowing and was gone for about an hour before returning home when he saw smoke coming from the structure, Densford said.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, and Densford and Deputy Fire Chief Ben Spencer expect to finish the investigation Tuesday.

For the full story, see Tuesday’s Tribune or read the story online at tribtown.com.