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Help For Those Affected By Courtney Fire

POT LUCK DINNER

Neighbors helping neighbors: Shannon Cole and others are organizing a potluck dinner for Courtney Fire area residents and responders on Sunday, Sept. 21, starting at 5 p.m. at the Oakhurst Elks Lodge, located at 42484 Road 41 in Oakhurst. The Elks have donated the facility, explains Shannon.

“I am thankful our home was saved and feel a strong need to help those who weren’t so lucky.” Anyone who wants to help can bring baked goods and treats, along with drinks and warm food to the Lodge for an uplifting gathering. Donations of paper plates, plastic cups, and napkins are appreciated, along with offers of help to clean up. Shannon is being assisted in her efforts by Brettney Montgomery and Chef Rob Ringler. For more information contact Shannon at (559) 760-7347

MONETARY DONATIONS

Oakhurst Area Fire Relief Fund at Yosemite Bank, located at 40061 Hwy 49 in Oakhurst. All funds will be distributed directly to all those that lost their home in the Junction Fire or Courtney Fire.

ORAL HYGIENE SUPPLIES

From the office of Rodney Peter, DDS: “We would like to offer complimentary oral hygiene supplies, including tooth brushes, floss, toothpaste, and mouth rinse to Courtney Fire survivors.” Stop by the office during business hours 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. – noon on Fridays. The office is located at 49255 Golden Oak Loop in Oakhurst. (559) 683-4540
EYEGLASSES
Optomitrist: Any residents who need immediate assistance replacing prescription glasses lost in the fire, the Sierra Lion’s Club wants to help. “Please contact Dr. Raj Dosanjh at Yosemite Optometric: (559) 683-5100 (40120 Hwy 49, Oakhurst)
FREE INTERNET AND BUSINESS SERVICES
Sierra Tel Business Center next to Vons in Oakhurst will be offering free internet access, fax services, copies and notary service for anyone who needs assistance when dealing with their fire insurance claims. Office: (559) 642-4444 (Fax) 559-642-4440
OFFERS TO ASSIST WITH PHYSICAL LABOR AND PERSONAL ASSITANCE

Chad Mangold of Mangold Developments would like to offer assistance to anyone in need, according to his wife Ann. “He has a dump trailer, chainsaw, and is a local building contractor who can help with anything home related. Please contact him at mangolddevelopments@hotmail.com if you need help.”

Greg Schoonard writes, “I am willing to help the victims from the Courtney fire in any way possible, especially willing to provide manpower to help clean up for anyone who needs it.” (559) 676-0987 or email umpire87@gmail.com

From Donna Hunter, “In trying times it’s hard to wade through all the stuff that’s thrown at you. I am not a paralegal or claim to be close, but, I have many years experience in interpreting legalese and project management, construction, and all things connected. Happy to help anyone who may need assistance getting through the jumble of recovery. Lots and lots and lots of confusing paperwork. Love to help with that part. Another set of eyes and mind can’t hurt. Thanks and prayers to all who have lost.”

Darlene Herr responded, “I worked as an insurance agency office manager for over 14 years. I am not affiliated with any insurance companies today. I would be happy to assist people with understanding their policies and their rights. They can email me at herr@sti.net or message me on FacebBook.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

David Linn, Attorney and candidate for the office of District Attorney in Madera County, is representing and giving pro bono service to his neighbors and others affected by the Courtney Fire, and acting as their legal representative with insurance companies. Phone (559) 683-7333 or (559) 683-3634

FUNDRAISERS

The Forks wants everyone to know that first responders including firefighters, as well as evacuees, are being offered free Forks Burgers from now until The Forks closes on Sept. 28. “In addition, we will match all proceeds from sales this weekend, Sept. 20 – 21, and donate them to the Red Cross on behalf of the Courtney Fire victims.”

Unity on the Green will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Queen’s Inn by the River, located at 41139 Highway 41. A $10 cover charge and a silent auction will benefit those who lost their homes or had their homes damaged by the fire.Jean Butterfield and Good Medicine will provide music, and those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.Wine from Idle Hour Winery and beer from South Gate Brewing Co. will be available for purchase.

From Miller’s Landing Bass Lake, “We will be cancelling our end of the season party and fireworks display that was scheduled for this Friday, Sept. 19. We will instead be hosting a Tri-Tip BBQ for the families that have been affected by the fire, and also collecting gift cards (Target, Wal Mart, Raley’s, Vons, gas cards, etc.) for them. If you would like to help please bring a $20 gift card to donate and and receive a free Tri-Tip dinner as a thank you. All proceeds will go directly to the families. Come show your love and support for our friends in need as they begin to re-build their lives. If we all give a little…together we can make a big difference.”

Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Oakhurst Senior Center: doors open at 4 p.m. for a dinner served at 5 p.m. First responders in uniform dine for free. Otherwise, a $10 donation buys dinner and all proceeds will go to local Search and Rescue. Oakhurst Senior Center is located at 49111 Cinder Lane; phone (559) 658-2200.

United Security Bank is sponsoring a fund-raising lunch on Friday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakhurst Branch, located at 40074 California 49, in the Old Mill Shopping Center (Vons). Hot dogs, chips and drink will be sold for $5 with 100% of proceeds and any extra donations going to the Oakhurst Area Fire Relief Fund. Call (559) 683-2200 for more information.

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (CSEA) DISASTER ASSISTANCE

CSEA rep Julian Peeples writes, “CSEA members eligible for disaster assistance: members of California School Employees Association (CSEA) who have been impacted by the devastating fires are eligible for assistance during this difficult time. Through the union’s Disaster Assistance Program, CSEA members can apply for financial assistance to help cover uninsured losses exceeding $2,500 caused by the fires.Additional information and applications are available at www.csea.com/assistance or by calling the River Delta Field Office at (209) 472-6100.”

RELIEF STATION FOR DISASTER SURVIVORS

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 – 21, Steve and Kim Santos are setting up their home to offer comfort for those working on their destroyed properties. Their house survived the inferno “by the grace of God,” according to the couple, and they are offering a place for people to come by to rest, wash up, and have refreshments. They live at 39215 Skyline Drive and will have tables and chairs set up for eating and resting. Big Oak Septic is donating toilets and sinks and Dan Gamel is donating organic apples from the apple ranch. Donations of hamburgers and hot dogs will help to feed people, and meanwhile, the Santos group is still seeking donations of trash bags, charcoal, hygiene items, pet food, water, and anything that will help those who are digging through the rubble of their homes. Volunteers are needed to walk through and hand out bottled water, food and lend support.

True Value Homecenter Oakhurst: Starting 9 a.m. on Saturday True Value of Oakhurst will be stationed at the corner of Road 426 and Pine Street in front of the big yellow house. They are available only to residents who suffered damage and/or total loss.

GRANTS

Sheriff John Anderson, Director of The Madera County Office of Emergency Services (OES), is reaching out to everyone impacted by the Courtney Fire disaster. Regardless of the level of damage you may have suffered during this disaster, you are urged to fill out a damage survey, so that the OES can better assist you during recovery. Click here for the SNO article with full details.

Grants to assist with the financial burden of the cost to hire tree-trimmers and labor for fire safe clearance may be available through Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council, Inc. For more information contact FOOD, CLOTHES, BEDDING AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Manna House is offering non-perishable foods to those who are displaced by the Courtney Fire, and are also accepting non-pershiables and clothing and especially bedding items. Manna House is located at 40390 Junction Drive, just behind Sears near New Life Church in Oakhurst. Phone (559) 683-6262.

Patti Martin Fuentes writes, “I am collecting clothing and personal hygiene items. Call (559) 683-6495 to donate. Let’s help our neigbors.”

Patsy Gaddis said, “Coarsegold Village Thrift Shoppe is offering items at no charge. We are located at 35336 Hwy 41, Coarsegold. We have several bed frames, a few headboards, clothing (just got in girls sizes 4 – 8) shoes and boots. Just show your Oakhurst ID and you can take what you need.”

Ginger Foust adds, “I have a space with hookups for an medium sized trailer/RV. Also have a friend in Fresno (previously an Oakhurst resident) that is willing to bring her 5th wheel and place it here. It’s completely outfitted for short-term living and sleeps 2 comfortably.”

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Brad Ditton’s Century 21 Ditton Realty office is available to help with housing. Phone (559) 642-2288, (559) 760-1067, (559) 760-0160, (559) 683-RENT, (559) 760-3485. Ditton Realtor and Sierra Home Rentals/property manager Kathy Thomas adds, “I do have homes both furnished and unfurnished available for fire victims. Please feel free to call me with any questions. We have a list of available homes in both office locations and I have more homes opening up for fire victims daily.”

From Oakhurst resident Lori Starnes: “My husband and I have space for one trailer or 5th wheel a hookup for anyone affected by the fire. We can be reached at (310) 344-8088 and we are in Oakhurst. God bless our little community.”

True Value Homecenter Oakhurst on Hwy 49 in Oakhurst has a 3 acre lot that is available for anyone that has been evacuated due to the Courtney Fire and needs somewhere to park your travel trailer or RV. No hook ups, but lots of room.

RELIEF STATION FOR DISASTER SURVIVORS

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 – 21, Steve and Kim Santos are setting up their home to offer comfort for those working on their destroyed properties. Their house survived the inferno “by the grace of God,” according to the couple, and they are offering a place for people to come by to rest, wash up, and have refreshments. They live at 39215 Skyline Drive and will have tables and chairs set up for eating and resting. Big Oak Septic is donating toilets and sinks and Dan Gamel is donating organic apples from the apple ranch. Donations of hamburgers and hot dogs will help to feed people, and meanwhile, the Santos group is still seeking donations of trash bags, charcoal, hygiene items, pet food, water, and anything that will help those who are digging through the rubble of their homes. Volunteers are needed to walk through and hand out bottled water, food and lend support.

True Value Homecenter Oakhurst: Starting 9 a.m. on Saturday True Value of Oakhurst will be stationed at the corner of Road 426 and Pine Street in front of the big yellow house. They are available only to residents who suffered damage and/or total loss.

FUNDRAISERS

The Forks wants everyone to know that first responders including firefighters, as well as evacuees, are being offered free Forks Burgers from now until The Forks closes on Sept. 28. “In addition, we will match all proceeds from sales this weekend, Sept. 20 – 21, and donate them to the Red Cross on behalf of the Courtney Fire victims.”

Unity on the Green will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Queen’s Inn by the River, located at 41139 Highway 41. A $10 cover charge and a silent auction will benefit those who lost their homes or had their homes damaged by the fire. Jean Butterfield and Good Medicine will provide music, and those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Wine from Idle Hour Winery and beer from South Gate Brewing Co. will be available for purchase.

From Miller’s Landing Bass Lake, “We will be cancelling our end of the season party and fireworks display that was scheduled for this Friday, Sept. 19. We will instead be hosting a Tri-Tip BBQ for the families that have been affected by the fire, and also collecting gift cards (Target, Wal Mart, Raley’s, Vons, gas cards, etc.) for them. If you would like to help please bring a $20 gift card to donate and and receive a free Tri-Tip dinner as a thank you. All proceeds will go directly to the families. Come show your love and support for our friends in need as they begin to re-build their lives. If we all give a little…together we can make a big difference.”

Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Oakhurst Senior Center: doors open at 4 p.m. for a dinner served at 5 p.m. First responders in uniform dine for free. Otherwise, a $10 donation buys dinner and all proceeds will go to local Search and Rescue. Oakhurst Senior Center is located at 49111 Cinder Lane; phone (559) 658-2200.

United Security Bank is sponsoring a fund-raising lunch on Friday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakhurst Branch, located at 40074 California 49, in the Old Mill Shopping Center (Vons). Hot dogs, chips and drink will be sold for $5 with 100% of proceeds and any extra donations going to the Oakhurst Area Fire Relief Fund. Call (559) 683-2200 for more information.

2 comments

  1. Oakhurst, a great place to live with a caring heart! We are blessed people.

  2. We have a sofa couch and matching love seat that a fire victim can have. It is blue flowered and in good condition. The couch opens to a double bed size. The only problem is we can’t deliver it. Someone with a truck will need to pick it up.

    Prayers for all those who lost so much and gratitude to the hard-working fire crews.

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