The Columbus Police Department hopes to help one of its own rebuild her life one hamburger and two hot dogs at a time.
Lisa Lang, a deputy Municipal Court clerk, and her family watched their home at 1486 S. Pickensville Road in Lowndes County burn down Jan. 8. The family of six was watching television that evening when a fire in their laundry room forced them out of the house. The Langs were able to salvage their Bible and two cars, but lost everything else.
Now the CPD is hoping to rally support for Lang and her family with a hamburger/hot dog plate fundraiser Friday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Columbus Municipal Complex. Five dollars will get customers their choice of a hamburger or two hot dogs and a drink. All proceeds will benefit the Langs.
An outpouring of support has kept the Langs afloat in recent weeks. Lisa Lang says her family has received more than $5,000 worth of donations including cash, gift cards, furniture, appliances and clothing.
“The community has been great. People are still giving us things,” she said. “They”ve been giving daily since it first happened.”
The Langs are currently staying rent-free at Smithville Townhouses on Seventh Avenue South. Mayor Robert Smith, owner of Smithville Townhouses, says he wanted to do his part along with other city employees to relieve the Langs” burden.
“I just did it to help them out. The complex they”re living in has 11 townhouses, and I just happened to have one available,” said Smith.
The Langs have three months to find permanent accommodations while they consider rebuilding on their property on South Pickensville, but Lang, her husband, Michael, their two adult sons and two teenage daughters are far from being back on their feet. The family did not have fire insurance and is still paying on their burned house.
They also lost Michael Lang”s truck in the blaze, leaving the family with three working adults and two cars. Michael Lang has returned to work at Irby Electric and Marques, 23, works at Ashley Furniture. Jamarcus, 21, was recently laid off. The Langs” other two children are Shalisa, 13; and Michaela, 12.
For more information on the fundraiser, contact Officer Terrie Songer at 364-1540 or the CPD at 244-3598. Orders of 10 or more plates should be called in to the CPD today or before 10 a.m. Friday.
Orders of 10 or more plates should be called in to the CPD today or before 10 a.m. Friday.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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