Students are rallying together to help a beloved Southern California music teacher after he lost his home to the Eaton Fire.

Jim Foschia, a teacher at Alexander Hamilton High School, recalled the devastation he felt when he learned his Altadena home had burned to the ground.

“I couldn’t keep it together,” Foschia said. “I was on the ground in the fetal position.”

Foschia not only lost his home, but also his collection of treasured instruments including his clarinets, saxophones, a Steinway piano and more.

“It’s a huge loss,” he told KTLA’s Rick Chambers. “The instruments were what centered me, what kept me going.”

Foschia and his wife evacuated their home without much time to prepare, grabbing just a few valuables as the fast-moving fire encroached on their neighborhood. 

Through the chaos, Foschia was able to salvage several beloved instruments.

“I took two clarinets, four ukuleles, a change of underwear and a shirt, the clothes on my back and we got out,” he recalled.

During his 14 years as a music teacher, Foshia taught and counseled hundreds of students, many of whom fondly remember the positive impact he had on their lives.

“He means the world to me and to so many others,” said Izzy Selph, a former student. “He was a teacher and a mentor that was just such a guiding force.”

When they learned he had lost his home to the fire, they rallied together to help Foshia and his wife rebuild their lives.

“When you have a male figure like that in your life, it’s kind of like another dad,” said student Britney Robinson. “You can go and talk to him about anything and there’s no judgment.”

“He always had an open-door policy and you’re able to talk to him and he’ll always understand,” said Chris Hockless, a former student.

Foshia said he’s overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of support.

“I’ve had so many alumni reach out,” he said tearfully. “It’s life-affirming.”

A GoFundMe page to help Foshia and his wife can be found here.