Wildfire Relief Fund re-opened in response to Clayton Fire
Monday, August 15, 2016
North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and MendoLake Credit Union have re-opened the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund in response to the Clayton Fire, which has already destroyed at least 175 structures in Lake County. Thousands of people remain under mandatory evacuation as firefighters continue to battle the largely uncontained blaze.
Monetary donations are being accepted at all Mendo Lake Credit Union and Savings Bank of Mendocino County branches. Additionally, checks can be mailed to NCO at 413 N. State Street, Ukiah CA 95482. Make checks out to NCO/Wildfire Relief, and write “Clayton Fire” in the memo. Donations are also being accepted via PayPal, which is linked to from NCO’s front page: www.ncoinc.org. More details about how to apply to the fund will be forthcoming.
NCO’s Volunteer Network is actively participating in immediate needs resulting from the Clayton Fire. Interested volunteers should visit www.ncoinc.org and click on the “Volunteer” tab. Those without Internet access should call 707-467-3236. Due to a high volume of inquiries it may take some time for an NCO staff member to respond. Volunteers will not be deployed until evacuation orders are lifted and an all-clear has been received from EOC Operations. It is essential that the affected area remains clear for professional first responders. Please do not self-deploy.
Individuals wishing to donate household goods or clothing are asked to wait until the needs of those affected are made known.
NCO is a 501c3 organization that serves as the Community Action Agency for Lake and Mendocino Counties. In 2015, the Lake County Wildfire Relief Fund was created in response to the Rocky, Jerusalem, and Valley Fires, and the fund disbursed approximately $1.6 million in direct aid to more than 1,000 survivors.
As it did last year, NCO will incur costs to administer this fund. However, NCO currently has some money available that can be used toward operating costs, and it will also be asking partner organizations to contribute to the fund’s administration. The goal is to direct all donations to fire survivors.
“We are deeply saddened that our Lake County family is yet again dealing with the devastation of wildfire,” said NCO Executive Director Patty Bruder. “NCO and our partners are committed to helping in every way we can, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.”
For questions about the fund, please contact Elizabeth Archer: earcher@ncoinc.org / (707) 467-3210.
Program(s) Involved: Volunteer Network Redirect