The humble living situation of the Stace family at their property near Melinga was recently revealed after fire engulfed the caravan in which Isaac Stace slept. The five-year-old boy died.

The property had no running water which meant that when the fire broke out they had to use buckets of water to try to extinguish the flames.

The fire not only took their son, but all their clothing and personal belongings and consequently an appeal for funds and donations of goods was sounded to the community by Webb Bros Taree auctioneer, Dave Callaughan.

The appeal has raised more than $20,000, since January 28 including a $15,000 individual donation, but Mr Callaughan says donations have "slowed to a trickle".

Mr Callaughan is now seeking very specific assistance for the family, that he says is an absolute necessity.

"The family needs accommodation on the property. And so I'm really hoping that somehow the community can perhaps source a 20 to 40 foot demountable shed," Mr Callaughan said.

"They need somewhere to live."

The Stace family moved from Bingara to the property in Melinga about eight months ago. During that time they have worked to establish large vegetable gardens and raise livestock.

Mr Callaughan said they need to continue to live on the property to care for the livestock.

He urged people to think how they could help and hoped someone would be able to help the family with this most basic of needs.

He added that cash donations are still absolutely needed.

"If people can't or don't want to drop in to the Webb Bros office in Taree you can donate directly into the trust account," he said.

The account is held with Westpac and its name is MWebbBros, branch number 032 587 and account number 321 263.

For further information contact Mr Callaughan on 0427 634 477.