Fire Relief Fund Accepting Donations
The Rim Resource Network, a Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives program, is now accepting donations to assist those affected in the San Bernardino Mountain communities impacted by the Slide and Grass Valley Fires.
“Once again our residents must join together to assist those whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the two fires that ravaged the communities of Green Valley Lake, Arrowbear, Running Springs, Fredalba, Smiley Park, Twin Peaks, and Lake Arrowhead,” according to Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives Executive Director David Stuart.
“When the fires are finally out and all mountain residents are allowed to return,” Stuart explained in a prepared statement sent to The Sun, adding, “many of them will be in need of immediate basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, and school supplies. Still others will need funds for rental housing deposits, utilities, transportation and living expenses.
“Should the evacuation of some areas continue for an extended period,” Stuart continued, “others will need financial assistance to help them overcome the loss of wages. And when the long-term recovery begins, donations will be needed for rebuilding including non-cash donations of materials, volunteer labor, and construction funding.”
Stuart urges residents to send tax deductible cash donations to: Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives, P.O. Box 4644, Blue Jay, CA 92317. Persons wishing to donate non-cash items (new clothing, housing opportunities, volunteer labor, rebuilding materials, etc.) may send a letter to RMHL at the aforementioned address or e-mail the organization at donations@rimresourcenetwork.org.
“Please list the items you wish to donate,” Stuart added, “so we can properly match the generous contributions with someone in need.
“Remember,” Stuart concluded, “as in the past, the community will rise from the ashes like a Phoenix but it cannot do it without assistance from caring individuals and companies. Please help!”
Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives, a 501©3 non-profit organization (Tax Identification #20-0867845), was created after the devastating 2003 Old Fire. The organization was responsible for coordinating needs and resources as well as providing valuable information for those residents affected by the disaster. Its efforts helped the survivors and the community recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.
Additional information is available at www.rimresourcenetwork.org and www.heartsandlives.org.
-- George Watson