Fund to help orphaned kids over 10K

WARREN CO., Ohio (WDTN) - When a Springboro man heard about a deadly Christmas eve crash in Warren County, he decided to help.

"I never thought it would get this big," said Brian Morris.

Morris didn't know the Barhorst family, but set up a "we-pay" account online days after he learned the four children's parents were killed in a two car accident. 

Scott and Michele Barhorst, of Madisonville, Tennessee, died when their van was hit by a wrong-way driver on I-75, near Franklin. Their four children, aged 8 to 18, survived.  A four-year-old boy in the other car also lost his father and brother.

Morris vowed to raise $10,000 to split among the five children, and with the help of people across the country, including here in the Miami Valley, that goal was reached just days after it was made. 

"We've had donations from as far as California," said Morris.  "As well as from Florida, Tennessee and Michigan.  The support has been amazing."

Brian said the donations have come with an outpour of thanks and praise, including from both families.

"They (The Barhorst's) are such a great family," said Morris.  "They remind me of my own family.  Just good, average people with big hearts."

The fund will remain open.  To make a donation, click here .