Author: Rich Woodruff, Deployed from Salt Lake City, Utah
The Red Cross Story at the Butte fire is not a single story, but many stories as communities, government, interfaith communities and businesses come together during times of crisis. The media has played a critical role in disseminating information to the public and raising funds for the Red Cross through telethons and other campaigns.
The Red Cross has been distributing cleaning supplies and food at many areas affected by the Butte Fire. Just yesterday, when our emergency response vehicle was arriving to one of the areas that was blackened by the fire, people camping on their decimated property began wandering down from the hills in dire need of food, clothing, bedding, batteries, diapers, dog food … the list goes on and on.
Red Cross volunteers were there to greet them with a warm smile, hugs and more. Our mission there was twofold: to distribute relief and clean up supplies as well as serving lunch prepared by the Southern Baptist remote kitchen in nearby San Andreas. The kitchen cooks thousands of meals a day and Red Cross ERVs (Emergency Response Vehicles) get them to the people where they are since most have lost their transportation. Today’s lunch was chicken fingers, potato salad and homemade banana pudding. The food was fresh and warm thanks to the special insulation containers used in the ERV’s.
One story that really touched me was the story of Mary from the Mountain Ranch area. Mary had not eaten in two days and was scouring the makeshift store for diapers, bedding, clean clothes and just basic needs like toiletries. She also was asking about burn cream for her cat that had wandered on to the smoldering ashes of her property. I quickly joined her rummaging through boxes finally coming upon some Aloe Vera. At this time, her pet’s needs were more important to her than her own needs. She rushed to put some of the aloe vera on her cat… we waited and invited her to eat some food. While she was eating, Mary shared her story and appreciation for our immediate concern and help. A few minutes later, a line was forming behind the Red Cross supply truck full of rakes, garbage bags, gloves, buckets, dust masks and other clean-up supplies.
Another person affected by the Butte Fire, showed up with another specific need. Bob, was asking if we had any sifters and thanks to the generosity of Ace Hardware we actually did.
Ace Hardware donated 2×4’s and screens and Red Cross volunteers built more than 600 sifters so that they can be distributed during our routes to the affected area. Bob had heard of people finding valuables and was hopeful to do the same. In our efforts to take care of first things first, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a mailbox key or the emotional boost a retrieved precious family heirloom would provide.
Recovering from a disaster takes time and the Red Cross will be working alongside partners in the community to deliver aid for months to come.
We were here before this disaster, during and will remain after, because that’s what we do.
Gold Country News and Notes 