A special trust fund has been set up by relatives and friends of a family of seven who escaped from their home, which was destroyed by fire on Tuesday.
Niall and Maeve Cribbon and their five young children were saved when a fire alarm alerted them to the fire at 4am, and managed to get out of the house seconds before it was completely engulfed by flames.
Now neighbours and relatives in Athlone have formed a committee to raise money as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
"Our main priority is to get the family together again under one roof. They are scattered all over Roscommon and Athlone with family and friends, who have all been very supportive," said Michael Mulvey, a resident of The Batteries, Athlone, where the family lived.
"So far, we have been able to get them some clothes because everything was destroyed in the blaze. People have rallied around the formation of the Cribbon Family Fire Fund. Niall's father and sister, and myself, are the trustees."
Local gardaí Jim Donaldson and Padraig Tully even made special contact with Santa Claus.
Consequently, a tired Santa agreed to make a call to local toy shop Smyth's to replace the gifts children Aaron (8), Kyle (6), Dean (3), Katie (2), and Orianna (eight months) lost in the fire. Gardaí delivered them for the last leg of the journey to the children.
"We're the only family in the world that Santa Claus has come to twice," said Mr Cribbon.
Yesterday forestry worker Mr Cribbon paid tribute to those who have come to the family's aid.
"It's overwhelming what people have done. The gardaí even obtained a mobile phone for us. We're all alive and well. The house is totally destroyed, but we'll manage with the support we're getting," he said.
A Cribbon Family Fire Fund bank account has been opened at Bank of Ireland, Church Street, Athlone. The sort code is 90 16 34, and the account number is 22798869.
"We would very much welcome donations to this account, and we will also be organising some other fundraising events," Mr Mulvey added.