The Holt family lost nearly everything they owned when they lost their home in a fire May 1, a Canyon Country father of two said Thursday.

Darin is a single dad who works hard to meet the needs of his 13-year-old son, Jacob, and his 10-year-old daughter, Ella, according to his GoFundMe page.

Darin was out of town and his kids were at school when the fire started around 1:27 p.m.

So none of his family was injured in the blaze. But almost everything else was lost, he said.

“I’ve lived through some big (disasters)… in an earthquake, you can still pick up the fork and the toothpaste, but in a fire there is nothing to grab. That is the most devastating thing of all,” he said. His kids are “doing well” but “spooked,” naturally, he added.

Right now, his focus is on the needs of his children, he said.

“Personally, I am fine,” he said. “I will put things together as necessary. For (my kids), it is about putting a place back for them.” He said he’s determined to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.

He wants to bring back things that are a necessity to his kids, like his son’s Playstation and his daughter’s tablet.

Christy Wheeler, a close family friend, has set up a GoFundMe page for the Holt family and, in just one day, they have raised over $1,700. To donate, visit the website, the family appreciates an amount, big or small. Wheeler added that, “I just wanted to do what I could.”

Clothing items can also be donated, Darin’s 13-year-old son is a 38 waist, XL shirt, and size 9 ½ shoe. His 10-year-old daughter is size 10/12 and a size 5 shoe.

Desert Streams Church in Canyon Country is also offering a drop-off place for items for the family.

Items can be dropped off at Thursday from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.