MATTAPOISETT — When a fire broke out in the garage of Mattapoisett Power Equipment on Monday, Dec. 20 and quickly engulfed the building, the damage displaced more than just a local business.

The mixed-use property was also home to a father named Trevor McDonald and his two young boys, Finley and Theo.

As the firefighters had worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, community members jumped into action to support the displaced family.

Luckily, the family was not at home when the fire broke out so no one was injured, but the damage from the incident destroyed almost everything they owned.

“We tried to get stuff out,” said McDonald’s brother, Toby Gonsalves. “But the firefighters told us we’d never be able to get all the smoke and carcinogens out of the clothes and toys.”

Gonsalves said that since the incident, his brother has repeatedly been struck by realizations of something else that he lost.

Since the fire, McDonald has been staying at his parents’ house with his kids, Gonsalves and their other brother.

“We don’t have much room in the house, but we’re making do,” said Gonsalves.

In addition to the support his family has provided, Gonsalves set up a GoFundMe page for his brother which has already reached over $35,000 in donations, almost three times its stated goal.

“It’s still pouring in. We’re honestly dumbfounded,” said Gonsalves. “[McDonald] is at a loss for words. He doesn’t even want to look at the amount.”

Gonsalves said that in addition to the money that has been donated, the family has been inundated with calls from people offering to give clothes, gift cards and Christmas presents for the kids.

“He is kind of overwhelmed but he’s super grateful,” said Gonsalves.

Gonsalves said that his nephews were adapting well to living with their grandparents, despite the chaos of the previous day.

“The kids already had some gifts dropped off this morning,” he said. “They were up at 6 a.m. building legos.”