Friends of the O’Dell Family have set up special bank accounts at Fifth-Third Bank in the names of the O’Dell children, Madalynn and Shaler O’Dell.   Madalynn O’Dell, a nine year old Hustead Elementary student, woke her dad up at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 14, 2010, to tell him something was terribly wrong.  Her intuition was right.  Mike O’Dell rose to discover a fire raging in the walls and attic of his home located at 3130 Fairfield Pike, Springfield.  He only had enough time to wake the rest of the family, grab a few belongings including the family dog, Brutus, and place the 9-1-1 call. 

Hustead Fire Department responded with the help of Miami Township (Yellow Springs), Springfield Township, Moorefield Township, German Township, Springfield 178th Air Guard Base, Enon-Mad River Township, and Pitchin-Green Township Fire Departments responded to the call with more than 12 vehicles to fight the blaze.  More than six hours later, over 150,000 gallons of water was hauled to the scene in tankers and used to put out the fire.  All that is left is rubble.  The O’Dells did have some insurance, but it will not cover all that was lost in the blaze.  To make matters worse, this was Mike’s childhood home and full of family heirlooms.  The family is currently staying at a hotel and looking for temporary housing in the Greenon Local Schools area.  The family dog, Brutus, is being cared for by a family friend.

Their friends and family want to help them get back on their feet.  A recent Bake Sale raised $855 and a community dinner fundraiser is being planned at the local VFW.  The kids’ schools have fundraisers in the works and many area businesses have agreed to put donation buckets  on their counters.  Many folks have expressed a desire to help the O’Dells.  Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events, or visit your nearest Fifth-Third bank to make a financial donation to one or both of the accounts (Madalynn – account ending in 2893; Shaler – account ending in 0509). The O’Dells are very active in the Greenon Local School district. 

Madalynn plays MRGE basketball in the winter, Enon Softball in the spring and summer, and cheers for Enon Pee Wee Football in the fall.  Shaler, a 16-year old Greenon student, plays football and is on the track team.  He also gives back to the youth and serves as Assistant Coach to 2nd and 3rd graders playing Enon Pee Wee Football.  For the past two years, Mike has served as Enon Pee Wee Football’s Board President and Head Coach for the 2nd and 3rd grade football team; both Angie and Mike have served on the Board for many years.  They also are involved in Greenon Athletic Boosters.  Let’s help the O’Dells get back on their feet … so they can get back to serving and participating in our community!