Local businesses raise funds for mother injured in Christmas fire

Local businesses across the Tri-Cities are rallying to support a Sullivan County mother who remains hospitalized after a house fire claimed the lives of her two young daughters. Nicole Blevins was critically injured in the fire, which broke out Christmas morning at a home in the Rock Springs community of Sullivan County, just outside the Kingsport city limits. Her children, Riley Blevins, 11, and Maggie Blevins, 9, died in the fire. The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office said the investigation into the cause is still ongoing. "We don't have any new information to share at this time," Capt. Andy Seabolt said Monday afternoon. "The investigation is still active and ongoing. No cause has been determined yet by investigators." SCSO deputies and members of the Sullivan West, Warriors Path and Fall Branch fire departments responded to the scene, along with Sullivan County EMS. According to a GoFundMe account created by her sister, Lacie Hafley, Blevins is being treated at a burn unit in North Carolina. The fundraiser, which aims to help cover medical expenses and future living costs, had generated more than 3,000 donations totaling over $298,000 toward a $350,000 goal as of Monday. The Times News reached out to Hafley for an update on Blevins' condition but did not hear back by press time. In the weeks following the fire, businesses throughout the region have launched fundraising efforts to support Blevins and her family. Blended Pedaler, a smoothie and superfoods shop with locations in Kingsport and Bristol, recently completed a multi-day fundraiser that raised $4,688. General manager Emily Linderme said the business donated $3 from every sale and matched the first $500 raised. "We weren't profiting anything from it," Linderme said. "We were giving away all the profits. We were really excited to be able to do that." Rather than donating through GoFundMe, Linderme said the shop chose to give the funds directly to Hafley to avoid processing fees. Hafley is expected to pick up the check later this week. "It's very fulfilling," Linderme said. "The community helps us, so we need to be able to help them. It's amazing to see everyone rally together to support Nicole." Barnes Exterminating Company also announced it will donate a portion of proceeds from all real estate inspections performed during the month of January, and possibly longer, to support the family. Byron Barnes, the company's president, said the tragedy struck close to home. "I have a seven-year-old daughter myself, and I couldn't even imagine losing your children and your home and everything you've worked hard for your entire life," Barnes said. "In a time like this, support from the community is definitely needed." He said the company has long prioritized giving back to the communities it serves, especially the real estate community it works with daily. A locally owned flower shop, The Nested Garden, is also raising funds through an initiative called "Petals for a Purpose." The business, owned by Patricia and Mark Nash, is located on 11 acres in Washington County near Bristol, Virginia, and is offering $40 wrapped flower bouquets to support Blevins and her family. Orders are being taken through Friday, with deliveries and pickups scheduled at multiple locations, including the Pinnacle in Bristol and near Exit 7 in Bristol, Virginia. Another pickup is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Addington Agency. "We're doing this just to support Nicole and her family during this time," Patricia said. "I can't imagine losing two children and then being in the hospital with multiple injuries. We wanted to do something to help lift a little bit of that burden." The Rejuvenated Mama, a spa in Johnson City, has also launched a fundraising effort, pledging to donate 75 percent of proceeds from appointments booked on Thursday to Blevins' GoFundMe. Owner Ashlyn Deel said the decision to host the fundraiser was deeply personal. "Mandy [an employee at the spa] and I are both moms, and we could not imagine being in her shoes," Deel said. "Her daughters attended the same school as Mandy's children, and we've followed this story from the beginning. We felt like we needed to step up and help." Deel said the business wanted to show support, even though they do not personally know Blevins. "The whole mission of The Rejuvenated Mama to provide a safe place where moms can rest, recharge, feel confident, supported and seen," Deel said. "Motherhood can feel so isolating and our goal is just to be there so they can fill up their cup and continue to be the best version of themselves."