ACUSHNET – The temperature was only 41 degrees, but a line formed outside the door of Acushnet Creamery on the morning of Saturday, March 9. 

Despite the cold temperatures and relatively early hour, customers had plenty of reasons to get ice cream sundaes. Not only would they be enjoying a milky, sweet treat, they would also be donating to a cause that has touched many people in the area. 

The creamery offered free sundaes to benefit the Lane family, who lost their daughter Jasmine, 12, in a house fire in Middleboro on Feb. 24. Those enjoying the sundaes were encouraged to make a financial donation to the family.

Middleboro and Acushnet Police, Fire and EMS departments teamed up with Acushnet Creamery for the event. 

The fundraiser drew locals and others who drove from farther away, including Susan Lister from Swansea, who said she was eager to help after the devastating tragedy.

“I don’t know how you can hear this story and not have your heart ripped out,’’ she said. “It could happen to any of us. It is beyond heartbreaking.’’

When Donna Coray, who owns Acushnet Creamery with her husband Doug, was asked to donate gift cards as part of an event to raise money for the fire victim’s family, she knew she had to do something more, she said.

After devouring a sundae, families could wander over to the Touch-A-Truck event, featuring fire and police vehicles from various departments in the region. Middleboro, Lakeville, Acushnet , Bridgewater, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Berkley, Rochester, and Raynham were some of the towns to donate vehicles. Children had the opportunity to climb on the trucks and pet comfort dogs brought over for the occasion by Professional Canine Services of Middleboro. 

The Corays’ generosity did not come as a surprise to Kaitlyn Kingsley, who’s managed the creamery for 18 years. 

“They do everything for everyone,” she revealed. Kingsley didn’t need any convincing to come and help out even though it was her day off. 

She has three children and a 12-year-old daughter of her own. “When you’re a mother,” she said, “you feel every mother’s pain.”