DALLAS — So many families have been impacted by the recession. For Keith Jessel and his family, it meant picking up and moving from El Paso to Dallas.
They were ready for a fresh start, a new job, and new hope, so they packed everything they have into a locked trailer.
But thieves towed it away, taking it all.
"We've never had an empty house before," Jessel said. "It's shocking it happened so quick."
The family literally just got to Dallas. "We were going to set up our dining room table right here," Jessel said, pointing to an empty space in their new home.
But before they could unload their belongings from the locked trailer parked outside, theives hit, taking it all.
"Our washer, our dryer, our fridge, our stove, our kids' clothes, toys, beds, dresser, computer — everything," said Billie Jessel.
That includes Social Security cards, their marriage license and all mementos.
"I wanted to break down and cry, but I had three kids watching, so I couldn't do that," Billie Jessel said.
This family has lost a lot, but not what's most important. Starting today, they'll capture new memories to fill a blank wall.
"It's for my kids to better their life, not mine, but theirs," Keith Jessel said. "It took me 10 years to build it up, and if it takes me another 10, I'm still going to do it."
If you want to help the family, you can team up with Victim Relief Ministries. Their volunteers will pick up any donated goods or cash. Call 972-234-3999 for more information.
E-mail sslater@wfaa.com
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