Residents of a Burnsville apartment building that burned to the ground earlier this week have had their spirits lifted by the kindness of strangers, including a stunning $1 million gift from an anonymous donor.

Nearly 200 people were left homeless after the blaze at Building A of the Burncliff Apartments on Monday. By Wednesday, residents were returning to another building in the complex to accept checks for more than $17,000 per apartment generated by the whopping donation.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” said Maria Aguilar, a resident who lost everything in the fire. “Whoever it is, thank you so much.”

It was quite a present on Christmas Eve for those who had sunk so low just a few days before.

Fire officials are still investigating the incident, which heavily damaged the 64-unit building and sent residents into the bitter cold before the Red Cross setup a shelter.

In the wake of the disaster, the community has showered support on those displaced. In addition to the $1 million check from the anonymous donor, the chairman of the company that owns the apartments has set up a fund for the victims that’s already received $100,000 in donations.

The leaseholders received a check for more than $17,500 as their share of the $1 million gift, and also will receive checks refunding their security deposits and December rent payments, said Frank French, chief operating officer of the Goodman Group, which owns the apartments.

A third check will be cut from the victims fund.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said Jo Kainz, who lived in the apartment complex for 15 years. “We’re still in shock.”

More than 100 residents of Building A were still homeless, and the Goodman Group said it would hold a housing fair to help them find a place to live.

“I’ve never seen a tragic situation turn so positive in such a short period of time,” French said.

Leaseholders started pouring into the apartment offices on Wednesday to accept their checks, which will continue to be handed out through the weekend.

Hugs were shared and tears were shed.

painful recovery process.

“We’ve got a place close, to make sure they’re constructing it right,” Kainz said. “And as soon as they’re done, we’re going to move back in.”