DEVINE, Texas — A beloved taqueria in Devine is shutdown, after a truck in the drive thru caught fire. The business was damaged, leaving workers without a job.
The community is now rallying together, hoping to spread a little Christmas cheer to both the owner and employees as they face the Christmas holiday without an income.
"I was working in the kitchen and one of the employees ran inside, asking me for an extinguisher," said Perla Angel, Owner.
Angel said the truck had a gas leak, which caused the fire. The fire spread from the truck to the building as customers were inside the restaurant when the fire began.
"A lot of damage, all the dining area, the register area. It's all burned down, ceiling, walls," said Angel.
Angel said her loyal customers and employees are like family and she is devastated her workers are left without a job.
"It really hurts this time of year. Seeing them, there's not much I can do for them right now. It's Christmas and I wish I could be able to help them economically," said Angel.
Customer Malissa Polen said as soon as she heard about the fire she rushed over to help.
"It's where everyone goes in the morning. It's both community getting together to talk, friends place to meet. It's always a friendly environment, it's just home," said Polen.
Polen said she wants to make sure the employees and their families have a good Christmas, so she went to businesses to collect donations, she also started a GoFundMe.
"It's the holidays, and when I was here you know, this mom's a single mom. This one's a widower, you know. Like we have kids now, we've got bills, mortgages, rent, just in general. No job, no money," said Polen.
Polen said many in the community have opened their wallets and hearts to help. Including a teenager who brought her to tears yesterday, after handing her $84 in cash.
Angel said she appreciates all the love and support that everyone has shown.
"I'm planning on rebuilding of course. I would love to. I mean that would be the plans, to rebuild and restart. This is a great community, and like I said, if I had to work somewhere, it'll be in Devine. The people here are amazing, so amazing," said Angel.
If you would like to help out, there are two official GoFundMe accounts setup. One is to help employees, and the other is to help with the rebuilding process.