By Globe Staff

When an East Oakland family at Gardenia and Hillmont streets lost their home and everything they had in a raging fire last week, they thought all hope was lost.
    But a neighbor stepped forward in a big way.
    Nancy Sidebotham, a community organizer, tax preparer and City Council candidate for District 6, made arrangements to let the displaced family use one of the houses she owns while their home is being rebuilt.
   “Though this puts a roof over their heads, they need items to make it a home for the next few months,” said Sidebotham. “I am putting the word out if anyone would like to contribute to make them feel secure in their transition from having a comfortable home to losing everything. Everyone made it out alive. Now they are grappling with getting their lives back together.”
    The couple needs the following items: refrigerator, dinning table, blankets, sheets, pillows, dishes, cups, pots and pans.
   “I am sure that there are other items, but this is the list that I was given,” said Sidebotham. “How do you know what you need when you have lost it all?”
    She said that donated items can be dropped off at 3900 Edenvale Place at the corner of Edenvale and Hillmont.
    For more information call Sidebotham at (510) 635-2678.