The Salvation Army Serves Thousands of Meals to Dixie Fire Evacuees and First Responders
SUSANVILLE, C.A. (August 12, 2021) In less than a week of response to the Dixie Fire burning across four northern California counties, The Salvation Army has served more than 3,300 meals to evacuees and first responders. The nonprofit is providing meals, snacks, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care at two shelters in Susanville. The Salvation Army employees and volunteers from Santa Rosa and Susanville are serving 700-800 meals every day at Lassen Community College and Lassen High School.
While The Salvation Army is working 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.
Support from the public and corporations is playing a pivotal role in The Salvation Army's ability to help those in need. For example, the Home Depot Foundation is supporting recovery with a generous gift of $10,000. Team Depot, Home Depot’s volunteer force, is also on standby to support relief efforts as damage is assessed. This will provide much needed relief to those who are going through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
“We are so thankful to Walmart and The Home Depot. Their generosity is astounding. We also want to thank the other businesses and individuals who have stepped up to help those who have lost so much to this devastating wildfire,” said Major John Brackenbury, The 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 August 10, the Dixie Fire had destroyed nearly 900 structures and damaged more than 60 others. According to CAL FIRE, the Dixie Fire is now the second largest wildfire in state history, and with continued high temperatures and winds expected, the wildfire has significant potential for further destruction.
The best way for members of the public to support immediate and long-term recovery efforts is to make monetary contributions. Funds are used to provide food, temporary housing assistance, rebuild homes, and more.
Give online at TSAWildfireRelief.org. Those interested helping through volunteer service can learn more at Volunteer.USAWest.org.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood
For more information about The Salvation Army in California, visit GoSalArmy.org and follow on Twitter @SalArmyDelOro and on Facebook at The Salvation Army of Northern California.