By Steve Walsh
Jesus Soberano, his wife, Chantel, and their two children pulled up at the Red Cross shelter in Weed, Calif., days after evacuating their Fort Jones home during the McKinney Fire.
The family was staying at a nearby hotel but Jesus said it’s getting expensive.
Chantel said she will likely need a heart transplant soon and that being outside, breathing the smoky air was less than ideal.
The Soberanos went inside the shelter to see what assistance the Red Cross could provide.
Minutes later, the family emerged with comfort kits full of toiletries and a tiny Red Cross teddy bear for Shasta, the youngest.
“This is great,” Jesus said, watching his daughter clutch her new furry friend. “Thank you.”
A Red Cross volunteer reminded the family that they don’t have to stay at the shelter to receive help. Should they need it, snacks, meals, drinks and even a little neighborly conversation are available anytime.
If you are looking for an evacuation shelter, visit redcross.org/shelters.
Gold Country News and Notes 