A Belchertown mother who lost everything in a fire two months ago, is trying to get back on her feet. Now, the community is working to make that happen.

A candle is responsible for the fire back in April that left 10 people homeless at the Lord Jeffrey Apartments.

Susan LaForest can remember that night like it was yesterday. "I saw the smoke and flames and ran for my kids, that's all I thought about were my kids," says LaForest.

These days the single mother of two continues to think about her children and how she will be able to provide for them. Her kids were literally left with just the clothes on their backs.

"My kids had no shoes that night, it was just awful. I don't wish that on my worst enemy," adds LaForest. The community is now helping LaForest start a new life.

They are hosting a benefit in her honor on Saturday to help raise money to get her the essentials. She is hoping to walk away with a new bed, and clothes for her 3 and 8-year-old daughters. And though it's been a rough two months, she says the whole experience has only made her family that much stronger. "It's hard but you have to be strong for your kids, life goes on. We are just lucky to be alive," says LaForest.

The benefit for LaForest and her family is being held Saturday, June 14th at the El Cid Lounge in Ludlow from 5 to midnight. Tickets cost 20 dollars.