Sisters hope to help woman who lost home

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | Cindy Skalsky

[SandRat]

SIERRA VISTA — When 10-year-old Katrina Tillman-Neff learned that her “adopted” Grandma Winnie’s manufactured home had burned down in Whetstone on March 30, she was distressed.

So was her sister, Aryanna Hiatt-Neff, who is just 7. The girls are students at Town & Country Elementary School, and both wanted to do something to help Winnabel Sinz, 70, a dear family friend who escaped unharmed but lost everything in the blaze.

When Katrina told her fourth-grade teacher, Patricia Stickler, what had happened and how badly she felt for Grandma Winnie, an idea just seemed to pop.

So on Friday beginning at 2 p.m. there will be a popcorn fundraiser in the cafeteria at Town & Country where, for 25 cents per bag, anyone can enjoy an afternoon snack or take it home after school ends at 3, thus helping assure Grandma Winnie can buy what she needs as soon as she is able to replace her home.

Sinz is hoping to be re-settled by the end of the summer, and her whole family is touched by the girls’ efforts on her behalf.

“Katrina is even going to stores to try to get the popcorn, oil and bags donated,” said Vanessa Wingerter, Sinz’ daughter.

Town & Country Elementary is located on Lenzner Avenue, near the corner of Golf Links, should you want to pop over this week.

REPORTER Cindy Skalsky can be reached at 515-4611.