REDDICK, FL.-

  A family is left living in their backyard after they lose their home to fire. Now the marion county community is raising money to rebuild Army Sergeant Richard Leadinghams' home while he's overseas.
  The family needs $36,000 for a fresh start.

"What were we going to do because we didn't have any insurance we didn't have anything to rebuild," said Lynda Leadingham.

On March 7, 2012 a fire destroyed the home of Lynda Leadingham and her family. Three days later her husband Army Sergeant Richard Leadingham was deployed to Afghanistan.
 

"Losing everything and then he had to leave it was just, it was really hard," said Lynda.     

They salvaged what they could like this refrigerator. Now Lynda and her four kids are living in their backyard in these tents while their father is serving our country.

"We always try to teach them to adjust and adapt to the situation and do the best you can do with what you've got. They help out a lot around the campsite," said Richard.

Making sure they keep their rooms and closets as clean as possible.
 

Richard and the kids put a bath tub inside the a tent and he installed hot water.

"Some days are really really hard. Like I said I want to just curl up bed and stay there, but I can't," said Lynda.

Lynda says her kids are what keeps her together. The second youngest Harley Leadingham tells me how he copes with the situation.

"It's not like I am going to die the next day. I can deal with it," said Harley.

He said  members of his school Francis Marion Military Academy have been supporting his family by creating "Operation Rebuild."
 

"We want to rebuild this home for a marion county patriot. We want to rebuild this home because it's the right thing to do and because this is family," said Dean of Students John Edsall.

He said the goal is for people to buy one square foot for $36.00. If they get 1,000 people to buy a square foot then the Leadingham home will be rebuilt. Giving hope to a family that's separated.
 

Habitat for Humanity will build the home once the money is raised.
This saturday there will be a barbecue at Tuscawilla Park. Tickets are $10  and all funds will got to Operation Rebuild.

You can buy tickets at Pasteur's Sports, Big Al's Barber Shop and Francis Marion Military Academy. or call 352-291-6600.

To donate visit the website below

http://www.marionmilitaryacademy.org/news/item/119-operation-rebuild.html