Sewage spill leads to outpouring of holiday help for Portland family [Video]

PORTLAND, Oregon — What began as a devastating sewage spill has turned into a story of community support for Amber Lewis and her two daughters this Christmas Eve.

The family lost everything in November when a blocked city sewer line released more than 5,000 gallons of sewage into their Southwest Portland apartment just before Thanksgiving.

“This disaster happening right now to us has been bad, but it has also been a blessing,” Lewis said. “Because I’ve been able to do more than I have been able to these last couple of years for my kids.”

In an email to KGW, the city of Portland spokesperson confirmed the Nov. 22 incident resulted from a blockage originating from a toilet in another apartment. While the city …