Salvation Army providing 700 to 800 meals a day for Dixie Fire evacuees
In less than a week responding to the Dixie Fire burning across four Northern California Counties, The Salvation Army has served more than 4,300 meals to evacuees and first responders. The nonprofit is providing relief in the form of meals, snacks, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care at two shelters in Susanville.
Salvation Army employees and volunteers from Santa Rosa and Susanville are serving 700 to 800 meals every day at Lassen Community College and Lassen High School.
While The Salvation Army is currently working tirelessly to fill the immediate needs of evacuees and first responders, the nonprofit is also looking to the future. With generous donations from individuals, businesses and large corporations, The Salvation Army plans to help those who have lost everything in the Dixie Fire rebuild their homes and livelihoods. The Home Depot Foundation is playing a big role in that recovery, thanks to an incredibly generous gift of $10,000. Team Depot, Home Depot’s volunteer force, is also on standby and ready to support relief efforts as damage is assessed. This will provide much needed relief to those who are going through some of the worst moments of their lives.
“We are so thankful to The Home Depot Foundation. Their generosity is astounding. We also want to thank the other corporations, businesses and individuals who have stepped up to help those who have lost so much to this devastating wildfire,” said Major John Brackenbury, Salvation Army Del Oro Divisional Commander. “Without their donations and all of our volunteers, we could not do what we do. I know wildfire survivors and first responders thank you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
As of Wednesday, Aug. 11, the Dixie Fire had destroyed more than 1,000 structures and damaged more than 60 others. According to CAL FIRE, the Dixie Fire is now second largest wildfire in state history, and with more hot temperatures and winds in the forecast this week there’s the potential for this fire to cause even more destruction. The best way to aid The Salvation Army in its immediate and long-term recovery efforts is making a monetary gift. Donations are used to provide food, temporary housing assistance, help in rebuilding homes, and much more. Gifts can be made at TSAWildfireRelief.org. Those who are interested in becoming an Emergency Disaster Services volunteer can begin the process at Volunteer.USAWest.org.
