Citizens of Carson and New Leipzig are asking for donations for the family of Annie Linden, principal of the K-8 public school in Carson, who lost her home to a fire Monday.

Linden's four children were in school at the time of the fire, but the family's two dogs and macaw were killed in the blaze, which started in the basement. It consumed most of the Lindens' possessions.

Danny Clark, chief of the Greater Carson Rural Fire Department, ruled out arson as the cause of the fire. An investigation into the cause was still under way Tuesday.

Linden's children - two in junior high, one in first grade and one in kindergarten - are staying with their grandparents in Bismarck.

Arrangements are being made to get the family a place to live in Carson, said Dawn Hanson, of the town's Cowboy Country Cafe. The cafe (701-622-3361) is accepting donations of furniture or anything else people would like to give.

Funds for the family also have been set up at the Grant County State Bank (622-3491) in Carson and Dakota Community Bank (584-2075) in New Leipzig. Donations also can be sent to Roosevelt Public School (622-3263) in Carson.