A series of deadly wildfires raged through four counties in Southern California last October. The fires burned almost 3,000 homes in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties consuming over 750,000 acres of land. When the fires were finally contained and later extinguished, thousands of families had lost everything, 20 people had died, and a national park was destroyed. Total damage is estimated at $10 billion.
In the matter of days, families lost their homes, all their clothes, and countless mementoes. Many were left with nothing. Their needs were immediate and great.
But with the help of people such as you, we were able to reach victims in affected areas.
Overwhelming help for families in Los Angeles
“The community was heartbroken and the initiative to respond to the crisis came from the two local dioceses [of Los Angeles and San Diego],” said the Rev. Albert Ogle. “With the help of Episcopal Relief and Development, we were able to purchase two generators because several families lost power and had no running water.”
Albert and students from St. George’s Academy in Laguna Hills, California helped families. “After hearing the needs, Caroline Shacklett, a parishioner and wife of the local fire captain, purchased 500 blankets,” said Albert. Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders at St. George’s Academy packed the van which delivered the blankets. The students also started school-wide food drive.
Albert also rallied members of St. George’s Church in Laguna Hills and St. Margaret in San Juan Capistrano to reach out to fire victims.
“There were about two hundred families who were hit very hard and most were self-employed,” said Albert. “Working through one of the disaster relief centers, students and parishioners distributed $100 Sears gift cards to 400 families on Christmas Eve. We attached personal notes to each of the cards.”
Reaching those affected in San Diego
In San Diego, Episcopal Relief and Development partnered with Episcopal Community Services of San Diego. With your donations for victims of the California wildfires, we reached out almost 300 individuals and families who lost their homes, belongings, or jobs because of the wildfires. Victims received financial assistance for temporary shelter, food, and clothing. Thanks to you, we helped people such as Louise.
Compassion that changed lives
While helping a neighbor clear brush in the fire’s path, Louise stepped on a nail and soon developed a severe bone infection. She was in the hospital for one month and unable to pay her rent. Through your overwhelming generosity, she received money to pay her rent so that she could return to her apartment.
“Our help proved that you can be part of a huge relief effort that transforms the lives of many families at a very emotional time of the year,” expressed Albert. “Their need was greater than our need,” he said. “Together, we can facilitate partnerships through the ministry following national disasters and help the Anglican Communion do so as well.”
Did You Know?
The smallest act of kindness means so much to people in the midst of an emergency. Seven-year-old Avery Douglas of Ameila Island, Florida, heard about the California wildfires and decided to gather Christmas ornaments with the help of other children for fire victims who lost everything. The 1,000 ornaments Avery collected were given out at a Christmas party in Ramona, California.
