Ear: Tree

“I’ve lived in Clatsop County my whole life,” Mercede Hackleman wrote in an email. “ … I was wondering if you’d be willing to share our story and maybe share our GoFundMe page.”

She and her husband, Agustin Tinoco, are both arborists. They have a house in Jewell, which they share with their daughter, three cats and a dog. Hackleman quit her full-time job to take care of her disabled father, who also lives on the property.

During a recent windstorm , a large tree was uprooted and crashed through the fence, trampoline and garden, then through the center of the house. Thankfully, the family and their pets were unharmed. Unfortunately, they lost their home and most of their belongings.

“Our plan is to get enough money together for a down payment on a new manufactured home,” Hackleman explained. “Option two is to get enough to truly remodel the area and fix it. But I believe our wonderful community can share this and support!” Their GoFundMe is at https://tinyurl.com/TreeInHome.

“I know there are tons of people who have damage from the storm, and I’ve been helping as much as possible,” she said. “We work with a tree service, so we’ve at least been able to help others with similar issues involving fallen trees.”

“Every bit of support matters,” said Diana Tinoco, the fundraiser organizer, “and we are beyond grateful for your kindness and help during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” (Photos: Mercede Hackleman)