After a June 3 house fire devastated their house in Edgecomb, the Crocker family faced traumatic loss. Firefighters said the family, including Ed Crocker, Candie Crocker and their children, were not there at the time of the incident. However, according to first responders, they lost several pets and their home was severely damaged.  

Now, the Crockers are rebuilding their lives, but not alone. From fundraisers to helping hands, the Boothbay community and beyond has come together in a time of need.  

“There's not a day that goes by that someone isn't like, ‘What do you need? What can we do,’” said Ed Crocker. He later added, “You think after a couple of weeks, it dies down and so forth. But the community is still asking about us, checking in on us, sending me messages.” 

Less than 24 hours after the fire, a Gofundme.com site was set up with a goal to raise $25,000 for the family. Within days, it was exceeded by thousands. Organizers then raised the amount to $45,000, which was again surpassed thanks to donations from over 420 people.   

“That should tell you all you need to know,” said Teresa Bryer, who works at Southport General Store. “(The Crockers) are just down to earth people, and they appreciate everything that everyone is doing for them.” 

Southport General Store is one of several local businesses and banks that have, together, gathered thousands of dollars from those who prefer to give in person. Store manager Nancy Long said people have been exceptionally generous. “As soon as they see the bucket, they’re giving,” she said.  

Stephanie Hawke said she knows money won’t bring back everything, but it will help take off the pressure. She said donations have come in at her auto shop, Hawke Motors, from all kinds of people, and every little bit helps. “A lot of people that gave don't have a lot to give but they still gave,” she said. “This is a very, very generous town.”   

Coastal Maine Popcorn ran a program where customers who donated $10 or more received a free bag of popcorn. Owner Julie Roberts said some took the bag, others were just happy to donate. She said she and husband Paul are happy to use their platform to give back and help the community. 

“(The Crockers) are the most amazing family that has been through so much in the last couple of years,” Roberts said. “How do you not support wonderful people whose kids have grown up here, (who) have coached our kids, have done theater with our kids, they are just such a huge part of our community.” 

Support hasn't just come in the form of money. Long said community members organized so that the Crockers can stay rent-free in a cottage on the water. Ed Crocker said people have recently helped him deliver and set up a camper so the family can live on their own property. In addition, the Red Cross, who assisted at the fire scene, has been helping the Crockers with a recovery plan and some immediate financial assistance. And help hasn’t stopped. Community members have scheduled fundraiser events, including a ballgame later in the season and a benefit concert with “American Idol” contestant Julia Gagnon at Brady’s.  

Crocker said he has been positively overwhelmed with the support. “It's so hard for me to think of the best way to show everyone how much I appreciate it ... ‘Thank you’ is never enough, but we really do appreciate everything that's been done as it continues to be done.” 

Crocker said the best way he can think to show appreciation is to continue doing what he has been: volunteering, coaching and being there for the community. True to his word, the day after the fire, Crocker was on the high school baseball field, coaching his team.

However, Crocker said the process of rebuilding is difficult, and it will be a long road to get their life back on track. But he said he thinks his family will come out even stronger. He said they are looking out for one another, contributing to make sure things are getting done without anyone being overwhelmed. In the end, he said the support from family, friends and the community has made the situation the best it could possibly be.  

“We can't look back now. What's done is done,” he said. “And, now, the only way to get through this in a positive way is to keep going forward, moving forward, and making sure that we're not dwelling on what's happened, but making the best of what can happen.”