Make a Difference to those Affected by the Fires

We are so fortunate here in Yucaipa that the worst we're getting from the fires is smoky air. I saw fliers up around town about collections to help those who have been displaced from their homes.

You can donate either at Farmer Boy's on Yucaipa Blvd (map) or Yucaipa High School (Monday 10/29-Wednesday 10/31, 3pm-5pm).

They are looking for:

• bottled water and gatorade
• canned food
• blankets
• diapers for all ages
• unused toys
• wrapped candy

Other Places to Donate

The Highland Apple Tree Learning Center is hosting a "Feed Our Firefighters" food drive as long as the Slide Fire and Grass Valley Fire are burning. Donations can be made at 28909 Base Line, at Church Street, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. From the City of Highland web site:

DONATIONS WILL BE DELIVERED DAILY TO THE FIRE FIGHTERS IN THE MOUNTAIN AREAS. AS OF TUESDAY 10/ 23 MORE THAN 20 CRATES OF FOOD, 30+ CRATES OF WATER, AND TEN HOT PIZZAS FROM AMERICAN PIZZA (THANK YOU) HAVE BEEN DELIVERED. ALBERTSONS GAVE A GENEROUS OFFERING OF WATER, CANNED FRUIT, AND SNACK FOODS. MANY LOCAL RESIDENTS HAVE DROPPED OFF DONATIONS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. IT IS ALL APPRECIATED. LISTS OF SUGGESTED ITEMS ARE POSTED AT ALBERTSONS AND THE GREENSPOT STATER BROTHERS. AS LONG AS DONATIONS COME IN WE WILL GET IT DELIVERED.

According to the Associated Press, most charities actually prefer donations of money, so they can purchase what is needed most. Some charities collecting donations:

• American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: 800-HELP-NOW or 800-257-7575 for Spanish speakers, http://www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html
• San Diego American Red Cross: 858-309-1200, http://www.sdarc.org/donate/
  Designate option 2, San Diego/Imperial Counties Local Disaster Fund, to support the Harris/Witch Creek response operations.
• Orange County American Red Cross: 714-481-5300, http://www.oc-redcross.org/
• Businesses who are interested in making bulk donations of needed items may call 714-481-5370.
• Los Angeles American Red Cross: 800-435-7669, http://www.redcrossla.org
• Corporations and businesses interested in making in-kind donations may call 800-746-5463.
• San Diego Food Bank: 866-350-3663, http://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/
• Goodwill Southern California: 888-4-GOODWILL, http://www.goodwillsocal.org/
• Salvation Army Southern California: 213-896-9160, http://www.salvationarmysocal.org/
• Governor's Office of Emergency Services: 800-750-2858, http://www.californiavolunteers.org/
• Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: 888-SPCA-LA1, http://www.spcala.com/

For the latest information on the Slide and Grass Valley fires near Lake Arrowhead, check out RimOfTheWorld.net, which has news, discussion boards and a chat room.

Tags: Yucaipa, fire