GRASS VALLEY, Calif. November 11, 2018 – From the team who gathered items at Nevada Union yesterday. I told them I could write it all up but honestly their words, quick and clear action made the mission! Here are some images of the hand offs and empty truck! As mentioned, FB follow up are receipts for YOUR quick generosity. Thank you for your trust and understanding! Here are direct quotes from those who collected, loaded and delivered! Everyone wants you to know love and consideration Nevada County showed went directly to the people in need and they were extremely grateful.
“We went to Gridley, Chico, and Oroville. Such gratitude!” Gia Albertazzi Grim drove up and delivered! Witnessed tears and overwhelm too but mostly gratitude. Some shelters are already overwhelmed with stuff and sorting through to get much needed items organized. Please check in with a shelter before dropping anything off.
“We left all the new items, gift cards and used jackets at Bidwell Presbyterian. Took all the blankets, sleeping bags, etc… to the Jesus Center that was heading up sheltering/helping evacuates homeless. The remaining used clothes went to Salvation Army and we also delivered two weighted blankets and $1,000 in Target cards to help 20 evacuated families with children who have severe autism. Each family got $50 to target so they can buy special needs things like noise-canceling headphones, etc…”
Kelsey Kinnard Langel and Tim got the truck up there. Set aside Staples cards for Paradise schools too!
As many of you know, I took the cash donated and bought gas cards per the request of GVPD who were on their way to Butte County. We have a bit of cash and cards left over for families displaced and in Nevada County. Overall we got around $7000! Moving forward if you are doing cards please take the time to write the amount on the cardboard or buy cards that have a stated amount on them. The little receipts that say the amount got separated from many. All amounts are welcome! I will Coordinate with the county and Karing Closet to get them to people who need them. Thanks Justine Chenel for helping me sort even as you processed your own family loss. Thanks Heidi Hall and Lehman Crew for taking my call!
Riley Grim is keeping a list of people who have shelter to offer. She will ask you a few questions about what you can provide and keep a running spreadsheet.
Kari Stehmeyer took over sorting the outpouring of used clothing and is already getting requests from families in need. The Karing Closet is a huge effort that she runs so please follow her as she will put calls out for volunteers. We will need them for a while and even an hour to two to help sort and load is a tremendous help. Keeping an eye on her FB is a good idea as she’ll post videos of quick response needs.
This is a marathon, not a sprint so we will need to help families for a while. Also we can share good information about services that already exist instead of doubling efforts. If you aren’t sure what to do but want to do something, throwing money at it is always a HUGE help! Here’s an update on where do give and reminder wear your mask from Audrey Denney
“UPDATE: one of the best and easiest ways to help those displaced by the Camp Fire happening in Butte County is by contributing monetary donations: www.nvcf.org/fund/camp-fire-evacuation-relief-fund
Also, wear a N95 or P100 mask. The air quality is very dangerous: www.chicoer.com/2018/…/10/air-pollution-rated-very-dangerous “
Alicia Lewis is in touch with families in the Roseville/Rocklin area who also need help. We are working to get an understanding of needs in areas outside of Butte County and provide help and up to date information to families who are away from home. We have a lot of love and support in Sacramento and surrounding areas. Knowledge is power x 100 when trying to navigate rebuilding an entire community.
Lastly, people keep thanking me and think I’m tired. I honestly am not the tired one and I’m not sharing too look heroic. I’m just doing what I know how to do, communicate on the internet and anticipate information people might be wondering about. Then I run a few errands. Hopefully it looks simple enough and I want to be sure people know they are making a difference. I encourage everyone to do the same. Look for what you know how to do anyway and think of how it could help. It will be months and years of rebuilding. Helping people with simple things long term really does reduce the overwhelm. There are organizations already doing the good work that could use a lift. I’ll try to keep finding them and plugging all the wonderful people I know into efforts that are helping.
THINGS TO THROW IN YOUR SHOPPING CART THIS WEEK AND HANG ON TO FOR THE NEXT CALL. WORD IS SOME SHELTERS HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF ALREADY:
BABY FORMULA, ADULT DIAPERS, 2X 3X CLOTHING FOR MEN AND WOMEN, BABY DIAPERS, PET FOOD, BABY BOTTLES, GAS CARDS, N95 MASKS.