GRASS VALLEY, Calif. May 15, 2024 – On Monday, Gold Country Senior Services (GCSS) learned their lease on the Brunswick Road property, owned by Rise Gold, is being canceled early. The non-profit uses the site to store, split and distribute firewood to low-income seniors.
“For forty-three years, Gold Country Senior Services Firewood Program has provided supplemental wood to low-income local seniors,” said GCSS Executive Director, Leslie Lovejoy. “Since 2018, Rise Gold Corporation has generously donated the premises located on Brunswick Road, Grass Valley for the program’s use. This past week we learned that our lease is being cancelled early, and we must vacate the property by June 25.
“Unfortunately, the sudden cancellation of the lease, means that our distribution days, typically scheduled for September, October and November, will not happen this year. We are also faced with two urgent needs. First, we must find a new, long or short-term location for this vital program. Second, we must remove and deliver all the existing wood before June 25.”
Nevada County OES Director Craig Griesbach said, “Gold Country Senior Services is an important partner that provides fixed-income seniors with firewood to help them stay warm in the winter months, among many other community programs. We are collaborating with them on a location at one of our County properties by June so they can continue this essential service.”
Today, volunteers were out at the site, splitting and stacking firewood. Close to 300 cords of wood will have to be moved in under six weeks, a massive undertaking.
Program is one of the last of its kind in Northern California
Wholly supported by volunteers who work year-round to pick up, split, stack, and deliver the wood, the program is one of the last of its kind in Northern California. On average, 225 senior households rely on these supplies each year, with more households served when winter storms hit the area. Autumn distribution days have become a community tradition, as individuals, students, church groups, and residents roll up their shirtsleeves. Since 1979, over 5,000 cords have proved a lifeline for many of Nevada County’s most vulnerable seniors, a release from GSCC states.
Plan in place – community invited to help out
Lovejoy was optimistic when we talked, “I think we have a good plan.” Instead of the traditional autumn distribution Lovejoy and her team are reaching out to seniors and asking them to come and take the wood now – for those who are able to transport and stack the firewood themselves. The community is also invited to help out.
“We are currently looking for volunteers to help load and deliver Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Two special-distribution days are also planned for Saturday, June 1, and Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Every pair of hands, every pick-up truck and trailer will make a difference. Gloves, snacks and gratitude will be readily available. In fact, I’ll take this opportunity to thank the entire community in advance. You’ve always met the challenge. This year, it’s just earlier than usual. We look forward to finding a suitable new home soon and resuming our regular Senior Firewood Program schedule in 2025,” Lovejoy said.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact Shari Montez-Esterly at (530) 615-4541.