Out of tragedy came a sense of hope.

A devastating house fire in late January for the Barzan family of Escalon resulted in a group of area youngers and a local business owner spearheading a drive to raise funds to aid in their recovery.

The eight youths and business owner Anna Baker were recognized at the Monday night, Feb. 2 Escalon City Council meeting as the Citizens of the Month for their efforts on behalf of the family. City Manager Jaylen French said they were nominated anonymously for the recognition.

All were in attendance at the council meeting, with the certificates presented following the call to order, roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Honored were Karson Brown, Nolan Brown, Brooklyn Karp, Liam Lombardi, Kaiden Russell, Landon Russell, Paitynn Russell, Teegan Russell and Anna Baker.

Mayor Andy Hagan, in preparing to present the certificates, said those being honored “exemplify what community really means,” and praised their efforts in fundraising and support for the Barzan family.

“It shows us what our community is all about and this is how people really should act within their community, helping each other when times are tough,” Hagan added. “That’s exactly what we want to do in a community like ours; help when you can, and if you see something, be the solution.”

He also offered thoughts to the Barzan family as they continue their recovery from the fire.

The sale of cookies and lemonade by the kids involved helped raise over $1,150 for the family.

For the youngsters, the Certificate of Recognition as Citizen of the Month read: “In recognition of your outstanding community service and generosity in raising funds to support a local family who lost their home in a fire. Your compassion, kindness and willingness to help others during a difficult time are an inspiration to our community. Through your efforts, you have shown that even small hands can make a big difference!”

For Baker, who owns the local Baker Print Co. at 1758 Main, she is also taking donations at her business. Her certificate read: “In appreciation of your dedication and selfless efforts in fundraising for a family in need. Your kindness, initiative, and willingness to help others during a difficult time exemplify the strength of our community.”

The fire was reported shortly before 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25 and resulted in extensive damage to the two-story home and attached garage. There were no reported injuries and several neighboring departments provided mutual aid to Escalon firefighters on scene.

Mayor Hagan presented each Citizen of the Month honoree with their certificate and then took time to pose for a photo with them, as they were applauded by the audience, city council members and officials on the dais.

Following the recognition on Monday night, the other council members also weighed in on the efforts of the youngsters.

“I’m so proud of our community and our kids coming together; seeing that there is someone going through some hardship in our community, and not just standing back but coming up with a solution, and helping our community thrive,” said Mayor Pro Tem Malinda Walker. “I’m very proud of you guys, thank you so much.”

“Kids, you truly exemplify what community spirit is,” councilman Shawn Strohman said in addressing the youngsters. “And to Anna, I know that you are offering to help both personally and with your business to help the Barzan family and that’s what makes Escalon great. So, to you Anna, and the kids, I feel like you truly deserve Citizen of the Month, and thank you for your kind heart and community spirit.”

Councilman Jeff Kay offered his thanks to the kids for their efforts and included their parents in the recognition.

“You parents definitely deserve a round of applause as well, you’re raising some very great kids that are willing to step up and do something like that,” Kay said, noting the youngsters used a scheduled day off from school and spent that time raising money for a family in need. “Exactly what we always want Escalon to continue to be; really appreciate you guys.”

Councilman Jeremy Engle said he was “truly encouraged” by the efforts of the Escalon youngsters.

“I think a lot of times, our younger generation gets a bad rap but you guys really stepped up and showed that that’s not the case,” Engle said. “Kudos to you guys, you’re definitely deserving of the recognition and parents as well, way to go, what a great bunch of kids that you’re raising; I would be super proud if they were my children so congratulations on the award and thank you.”