February 06, 2016
An online fundraiser has already raised more than $15,000 for the family of a 12-year-old boy killed in a fire in Norristown Friday.
Sanford Harling III, 12, was able to escape the flames that engulfed his family's home on the 1000 block of Markley Street, according to media reports.
However, he ran back into the house when his father was unable to immediately find his way out of the blaze. His father escaped, but Harling never made it back out.
The GoFundMe campaign -- which Norristown Councilman Hakim Jones confirmed to 6ABC is authorized by the family -- has managed to garner $15,496 for the family's recovery and a burial for Harling.
An update on the page early Saturday morning thanked those who had donated so far, assuring everyone that the family had accommodations for the next few days after losing their home.
Harling played football for the Norristown Youth Eagles and was previously a student at Eisenhower Middle School.
The Norristown Area School District said on their Facebook page Friday that they were saddened by the loss, adding that psychologists and counselors would be made available for staff and students who needed help coping with Harling's death.
The goal for the fundraiser is $25,000. You can donate here.
