It may have been an accident, but the fire that destroyed a home in the 3300 block of Mero Street left a big impact on the teenager who was set to purchase it.
16-year-old Makayla Green was in the process of buying the home, which her grandmother had grown up in when 56-year-old Charles Cantrell III set it on fire.
Police reports indicate that Cantrell, who is homeless, had taken refuge in the garage of the home, which was not being lived in at the time, and started a fire to stay warm.
That fire then spread from the garage to the residence and destroyed the home.
A fundraiser was held Sunday at the Blade Farm, located on Brunner Road, where the community raised money to help Makayla Green rebuild the home.
Green showed her true giving nature, as she announced that proceeds from the event will be donated to the Manitowoc Police and Fire Departments.
She voiced her appreciation to the two groups for their quick response time, and quick thinking while tending to the fire, and the subsequent investigation.
Cantrell has spoken to Green since the incident, apologizing for his actions.
Green has forgiven him.
