Millbrae Christmas Tree Decorations to Benefit Displaced Family

A local nonprofit is raising funds to help a Millbrae family return home for Christmas after they were dislocated by a fire.

Teofila Lowry, 92, lived in Millbrae for 50 years until an electrical fire in November 2010 ravaged her home on 927 Palmito Dr. Her son and twin autistic teenage granddaughters were also living with her, but now the family is scattered and staying with immediate family throughout the Bay Area.

“My home and living in Millbrae is very important to me,” Lowry said in a letter. “I would appreciate any help you can give me to stay in my community and home.”

As it has for the last five years, the Millbrae Community Foundation is painting stars to adorn the Millbrae Christmas tree that will be lit outside City Hall on Dec. 3. Residents who wish to honor a loved one with a decorated star can donate $25 or more to the MCF’s Holiday Star Program.

The nonprofit will allocate most of the monies toward the Lowry family, and expects to raise about $8,000. In the past, it has used the funds to support projects such as the , the  and the Mills High School dragon team.

“It’s been a little bit slower this year, but most of the donations come in at the end,” said MCF Treasurer Catherine Quigg.

Rebuilding Together Peninsula, the local chapter of a national housing nonprofit, has been helping the Lowry family rebuild their home, and it requested a $4,211.74 grant from MCF on Nov. 17.

The housing renovation project would still be about $3,000 short if it receives the MCF grant, according to Rebuilding Together Executive Director Seana O’Shaughnessy. 

“There are a lot of fees associated with remodeling,” she said. “But the local roofers, plumbers and other union members have been very supportive.”

Although there is no official deadline, the MCF asks people to submit a holiday star order by Nov. 30, but donations are accepted any time.