Well-known resident loses home in fire; GoFundMe account to help with rebuilding

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help a well-known resident of Stone County.

Sandy Hill recently lost her Branson West home in a fire. The home was located in the Notch community, near Silver Dollar City.

Said Hill's daughter, Chelsea Dygert, "On Wednesday, March 12, while out of town, she received a call from a neighbor that her home was on fire. She lost everything, including her three beloved cats — Mojo, Cookie and Apollo."

Hill is well known in the community as Miss Sandy, a pre-school teacher for more than 20 years. For much of her career, Hill was employed at Lakeview Learning Center, which was recently bought out and underwent a name change to Brother Bear Learning Center. The center closed down more than a year ago, leaving Hill devastated and feeling lost.

"Teaching kids is her passion," explained Dygert. "She now subs part-time for the Reeds Spring School District in their Early Education Center and volunteers her time as a Child Advocate/CASA worker for abused and neglected children in Taney County."  

Immediate needs for Hill include clothing and toiletries, but the ultimate goal of the GoFundMe set up for Hill is to rebuild and refurnish her home. Hill, who will be staying with family members until she can rebuild, had minimal insurance, and will have to rely on donations to help her with the rebuilding efforts.

"My mom has spent her whole life volunteering in soup kitchens, addiction centers, at churches, etc. She is known for being 'the kindest person anyone has met,' " said Dygert. "She will give anything to any stranger without hesitation, and she has a really hard time accepting the same help and generosity she so freely offers to others, but she needs it now more than ever. We want all of the love she's poured into the community to be shown back to her."

Dygert continued, "We, her kids, want to help her piece back her life without worrying about the financial aspect of it. We want to give her mind and spirit the space it needs to process the tremendous loss of all three of her beloved cats who were her comfort and joy, as well as all of the memorabilia passed down from as far back as her great, great, great grandparents. Her late father's paintings, her children's photo books and home movies. It's all gone."

"If she hadn't been seven hours away from home at the time of the fire, she would have tried to get her cats out, and who knows what would have happened to her," Dygert added.

If you or your children's lives have been touched by Miss Sandy, her family humbly asks for your help as she begins the arduous task of rebuilding her life. To donate, visit GoFundMe.com and search for "Help Miss Sandy Rebuild After Tragic Fire." All donations are greatly appreciated by Hill and her family.