Right before Christmas, Jennie Nelson lost it all.
She says her children and nephew were playing with a lighter when they set her home on fire Dec. 22 in North Omaha.
“We left with what we had on our back,” Nelson says.
When Robert Wagner learned of her story, he decided to step in and help.
The founder of Project K.N.O.S.E., or Keeping North Omaha Safe for Everyone, decided to get on the roof of the Kumani Center to call attention to the family's need Saturday afternoon.
On a day he should be celebrating his birthday, he will be holding a sign on the rooftop for 24 hours as cars travel along 30th Street while it rains with temperatures in the 30s.
“They lost all their clothes - everything that they owned,” Wagner says. “So we're hoping to be able to help them out with clothing donations, gift cards, cash – whatever you feel like you want to donate.”
Wagner has gone to great heights to help others before.
“We had a goal in the spring, a certain amount that needed to be raised. Once it was raised, I was able to come down, but this time is different,” he says. “We don't have a set goal. We just want to raise enough to make a significant impact on their bills.”
Donations will also help a family whose son is dealing with a brain injury.
For Nelson, to know Wagner is trying to help another family is amazing to her and the mother of three says she is grateful to have his help.
“I want to thank him,” she says. “He showed me a lot. He showed me and my family [and we] are thankful that there's people like him.”
To donate, click here and write Project K.N.O.S.E. in the memo line or visit its Facebook page here for more information.
