Gemmell family asks for donations other than money after plane crash

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The community is rallying to raise not only money but items Ken Gemmell says he and his daughter desperately need after losing their family and home in Monday’s plane crash.

Inside Gentleman Jim’s restaurant near Montgomery Airpark, James Summers passes his cash across the bar before he sits down to eat lunch.

“If I had a whole lot of money, I’d give them thousands,” Summers says.

Summers joins the Gaithersburg community rallying to help Ken Gemmell who lost his wife, Marie, and two sons when their home was struck in Monday’s plane crash.

“It’s just great that everyone has responded the way they have,” Summers says.

An online donation spot for the family has raised more than $300,000.

The immediate need, Gemmell posted on a community Facebook page, is for clothes and toys for his daughter Arabelle and gift cards to rebuild their lives.

“It’s really sad, so anything we can do to help we jumped at the first opportunity,” says Joe Hence with Gentleman Jim’s says they are happy to be a drop off spot for donations to help the family.

In an online post, Gemmell asks the community for these items:

Girls clothes for Arabelle, size 8
Shoes for Arabelle, size 2
Tops for Ken, size large
Pants for Ken, size 36×30
Shoes for Ken, size 10
Toiletries
School supplies
Books for a second grade child
Small toys
Gift cards to quick serve restaurants, coffee, gas, grocery stores, drug stores, Target and Walmart, etc.

Donations can be sent or dropped off at Gentleman Jim’s at 18917 Earhart Ct, Gaithersburg, Maryland. 20879.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated when the money donated through GoFundMe could be accessed. The organizer can withdraw funds at any time. Click here for more information

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