CANTON -- Work colleagues at St. Lawrence University and members of the community raised $7,535 in less than a week for a Pierrepont family that lost their 6548 County Route 24 home Saturday.

Using the website www.gofundme.com, colleagues established a page that allows people to donate to the family of Steve and Wendy Stowe.

The group has set a goal of $10,000.

“Wendy Stowe, our dear colleague in admissions at St. Lawrence University, suffered a house fire that resulted in a total loss. For 32 years she has served the University and helped over 18,000 students navigate the college admissions process. Now we invite you to help Wendy and encourage you to donate what you are able,” Jeff Rickey, who established the fund, wrote on the donation page.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, investigators said. The building has been declared a total loss.

The American Red Cross has been contacted to provide assistance, investigators said.

To donate to the family visit www.gofundme.com/3rc6cg