Within the last week, the Facebook page for Lonnie’s Pizza in Youngsville has been offering updates and its appreciation to the community for the outpouring of support since the devastating fire on Jan. 27 that temporarily closed its business.

“We have been so overwhelmed by all of the kind words and prayers from everyone,” the business noted earlier this week. “Even people we have run into outside of our community have shared their comforting thoughts. … We felt loved just observing all of that. From our hearts, Thank you. We know we have a wonderful community here in Youngsville, and we are considering all options in order to stay in this town.”

The building at 114 E. Main St. where the pizzeria stood has come down since the night of the fire. In addition, those who lived above the business were displaced as of earlier this week but all were able to get out of the structure safely on the night of the blaze. Caution tape surrounds the location and residents are asked to keep their distance from the rubble.

As for the business, residents and community members have been donating funds to help with the possible rebuilding of the business. “In the past few days, via mail and fundraisers, we began receiving donations that have stunned us!” the owners wrote in a post this week. “Believe us when we say this never crossed our minds because we are essentially OK and know we’ll make it through this.

We’ve always been of the thought that God never gives you second best, and challenges are provided so one can rise up better from it. We are blown away at the thoughtfulness, and have never felt such love from a community in which we are just getting to know!”

An account for the future donations can be made to a fund at Northwest Bank for the business. Lonnie’s Pizza said those contributions would be used to support “our wonderful staff, one who was also our tenant upstairs, who have suddenly lost their incomes, as well as some personal belongings that were kept at work. The donations will aid in tying them over until they are back on their feet.”