North Platte High School students are rallying around two of their classmates tonight after a fire demolished their Maxwell home Wednesday. Student Council’s annual tailgate party will benefit sophomore Natalie Miller and junior Whitney Miller’s family. “Although Make-a-Wish is a worthy cause, the Miller family needs the support right now,” said senior Student Council member Miles Sweeney.

The Miller sisters said their lives changed when they found out their house was on fire. “When I got home I saw smoke coming from everywhere,” said Whitney Miller. Her sister received a text in class explaining what was happening. When she heard the news, Natalie Miller said she was in shock. “It is completely devastating,” she said. Their whole house was reduced to ash, along with their belongings

Individual North Platte High School students are also organizing assistance.  Junior classmate Riley Smith started promoting a GoFundMe page to benefit the Miller family. “The support has been really nice,” said Natalie Miller. Monetary donations are also being collected at the school’s main office for those who want to give locally.

Natalie Miller said the tragedy doesn’t even feel real. “People take for granted what they have, but you don’t realize until it’s gone.” said Natalie Miller.