The Camp Fire in Butte County has claimed has least nine lives and destroyed 6,700 buildings, making it the most destructive fire in California history.
Many people in Sacramento want to help their neighbors to the north. Mary Lynn Perry, the City of Sacramento’s Volunteer Engagement Specialist, has been working with Butte County’s Office of Emergency Services as well as the non-profit agency Caring Choices, which has been activated as the Emergency Volunteer Center.
Here is how they recommend people assist those in need:
The response we’ve received from the community has been overwhelming, and we are so grateful for this community support. To those wanting to volunteer please do not come to the Chico Caring Choices office. If you are able, please send in monetary donations. Here are some reputable agencies to donate to:
Northern Valley Community Foundation
Volunteers will be needed throughout the disaster response and recovery efforts. If you would like to volunteer please go to Caring-Choices.org to complete our application process and wait for direction. The application is three pages (the third page is to be left blank and completed by a notary).
By having your application notarized you will be covered under the State’s workers comp insurance. Notarized applications are required. If you have a professional license or certification, please include those license numbers in your application.
Caring Choices is also in need of N95 respirator masks to provide volunteers upon deployment. You can mail in new masks to: 1398 Ridgewood Drive, Chico, CA 95973.
Lead image courtesy NASA Earth Observatory