Phoenix agencies deliver Christmas gifts, tree to Valley family after house fire

PHOENIX — When Janey Ross’ home went up in flames on Thursday morning, the family’s Christmas tree and all their gifts went with it.

“We’ve always has Christmas dinner at this home,” Ross’ niece, Zaqueena Coleman, said. “Everybody in this neighborhood knows her. They call her ‘Mom’ and they look out for her. To see this happen is devastating.”

But by Friday morning, the family’s 52-year-old holiday tradition of having dinner in the same home was back on thanks to the Phoenix fire and police departments.

Firefighters and officers stopped by Ross’ neighborhood near Seventh Street and Broadway Road to drop off some gifts and a replacement tree.

“Believe in your police and fire department,” Coleman said. “I know there’s a lot going on that divides people and breaking us apart but they’re here to protect and serve and that’s what they’re doing.”

Most of Ross’ family lives on the same street, so they’ll be celebrating Christmas at a different home this year. But the family is just glad to have Ross, 87, and her two young grandchildren with them, who all managed to escape the blaze.

“We can’t replace her,” Coleman said. “We can replace presents.”

Ross suffered from minor smoke inhalation.

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