The local community is rallying to help a Town of Hillsborough employee and his son, who lost their home to a fire in February.

On Saturday, February 27, Zim Torain and his family were alerted to a fire at their home due to an electrical issue. There were no injuries, but the town says Torain’s home was a total loss and there is no insurance to cover its destruction.

Torain works for the Hillsborough Utilities Department in the Distribution and Collection Division and is described as “dedicated employee, and an all around thoughtful and good person.” To help with the situation, Torain’s co-workers are encouraging community members to help if they can.

A flyer from utilities department workers has a list of lost items those who want to assist Torain and his 15-month-old son, Davidson “Bun” can help replace. The family is asking for hygiene products, size 4 diapers, sensitive wipes, men’s 38 by 32 pants, 2XL shirts, coats, 13M shoes, and toddler boys 2T/3T clothes. Donations can be dropped off at the Adron F. Thompson Water/Sewer Facility off Dimmocks Mill Road between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

To provide monetary assistance, donations can be made to PayPal by using TorainZim1@gmail.com or through NCSECU to account 060911294.

For more information, the town government says to contact:

  • Lacy Painter: lacy_painter@yahoo.com or 336-516-2905
  • Joel Lashley: joelrlashley@yahoo.com or 336-240-8272

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
Here Are Ways You Can Donate to Local Drives for Hurricane Helene Relief
After Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina last week, numerous local organizations, businesses and schools have set up donation drives to help those affected. Below is a list of drives around our area, in alphabetical order by the group: All About Insurance shifted its regular Sock-Tober clothing drive to exclusively support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. […]
Celebration of July 4 to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what will and won’t be happening that week: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday. Residential trash pickup will not be affected. Commercial trash will […]
Orange Rural Fire Department Responds to Blaze at Hillsborough Storage Facility
The Orange Rural Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at the Surety Storage facility in Hillsborough late Tuesday night. Surety Storage is located at 2707 North Carolina Highway 86 South. According to a release from the fire department, the first engine to arrive quickly reported smoke and fire conditions from “several” storage units […]
Hillsborough Man Wins More Than $500,000 From Lottery Ticket
Daniel Allison of Hillsborough won a $512,111 prize off of a $1 lottery ticket last week. Allison bought his ticket for the Cash 5 game online, then matched all five drawn numbers to win the jackpot. The odds of such a win are 1 in 962,598. Allison claimed his prize at the lottery headquarters in […]
Update: Missing Hillsborough Man Safely Located
Update: The Hillsborough Police Department safely located Zachary Dwinell Monday morning. “So many agencies came together with the goal of locating this person for his family,” said Lieutenant Nick Chelenza. “We appreciate everyone’s assistance.” The Hillsborough Police Department is seeking the community’s help in locating a missing person. Zachary Dwinell, 30, of Hillsborough, was reportedly last […]
Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County (2025)
The observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 will affect multiple local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will […]
First Black Hillsborough Mayor Horace Johnson Dies at 95
Horace Johnson, a longtime elected official who became the first Black mayor of the Town of Hillsborough, died Thursday. He was 95 years old.
Hillsborough Parking Study Underway; Town Asks for Community Input
As Hillsborough continues to plan for the future, the town government is asking for feedback on where people prefer to park their vehicles.
New Italian Restaurant Coming to Former Radius Pizzeria Space in Hillsborough
Serratore’s Pizza and Pasta, a new Italian-American restaurant headed by local chef Josh Decarolis, will open this summer in the space formerly occupied by Radius Pizzeria and Pub at 112 North Churton Street in downtown Hillsborough. A specific opening date was not provided. Decarolis is a Hillsborough resident and is a partner in two other […]
'Financial Disaster': Cancelled FEMA Program Leaves Hillsborough Pump Station Project $6 Million Short
Hillsborough is now scrambling for ways to move forward with relocating its River Pump Station, a critical water and sewer project.
›