WEST HUMBOLDT PARK — Multiple families are seeking help to recover from the devastating flea market fire that cost them their livelihood.
At least five fundraising campaigns popped up overnight by families looking for assistance to rebuild their businesses and support their families in the meantime.
"Our entire family is saddened by the situation and are still in shock of how sudden things can change in life," wrote Jessica Gonzalez, who is seeking to raise $8,000 for the Arias family through gofundme.com.
The family supported their five children through their electronics business inside the Buyers Flea Market over the past 15 years, according to the post.
The flea market, which was described as a pillar of the neighborhood for both vendors and shoppers, was destroyed Tuesday in a massive fire.
All funds raised by the Arias family will go toward getting their business back up and running, and finding a new location. They had raised $260 as of Wednesday afternoon.
At least four other similar campaigns were active Wednesday, including one for the Sahagun Family, which operated the "El Tipico" fruit stand at the market for the past 15 years.
"For 15 years, we've worked as a family to grow our business and provide quality products to our customers. My parents dedicated everything to our family business but now it has unfortunately been destroyed," wrote Gaby Sahagun.
The family, which is originally from Jalisco and Guanajuato, Mexico, is also looking to use the money toward a new lease at a new location and to replace equipment such as commercial blenders, juicers and freezers. They had raised more than $1,000 of a $3,000 goal.
A third family, the Zarate family, is also turning to relatives, friends and the public for help to pay bills and restart the small family pet supplies business.
Zarate's Pet Supplies was run by Belem Zarate, a single mom who sold hamsters, snakes, parrots and more. She had raised $1,345 out of $25,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Others turning to gofundme for help include the Romero family and Ariel Contreras, who ran Regio Computers inside the market.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation Wednesday, and could take several days to determine, according to the fire department.
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