MARIPOSA COUNTY — Anyone wishing to help victims of the Detwiler Fire can still do so in several ways.
The Mariposa Community Foundation will be distributing cash donations to those who lost their homes. They have set up a PayPal donate button on their website at mariposacommunity.foundation/MCF.
You can also mail a check to MCF and note “Detwiler Fire” on the check. Mail it to:
- Mariposa Community Foundation
- P.O. Box 5008-229
- Mariposa, CA 95338
Yosemite Bank and WestAmerica Bank can also accept cash donations at any of their branches in the mountain area. Reference the “Detwiler Fire Relief Fund.”
Food items are still being accepted at the Relief Center at New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road in Bootjack, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m.
Food for people and pets continue to be needed most, including fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and frozen meat.
Other new items can be accepted by appointment only, so please call Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties VOAD – which stands for “Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.” They are the organization which has been coordinating assistance efforts throughout, which is a very crucial job.
Sometimes the donations during a disaster end up being more work than the disaster itself, so having VOAD at the helm to make sure everything gets where it needs to go, and efforts aren’t being duplicated, is very important and they’ve done an amazing job.
Their phone number is Mariposa is 209-966-5911 and in Oakhurst call 559-683-4911 to make an appointment to donate new items.
“We have established committees for long-term recovery,” says Laura Norman, chairperson for VOAD. “We have an 18 to 24-month commitment, and this will be a long process. We are still identifying those who need help by compiling information from six data bases.”
Hay and livestock feed are also needed, and you can call VOAD to leave a message with details and it will be routed to the right person.
Furniture is not being accepted at any location. However, furniture donation arrangements can be made by calling VOAD.
For those who have never heard of VOAD but are serious about helping and were inspired by the service of others during this disaster, please call to volunteer your time and skills. Their mission is critical. If you’re interested, don’t wait until we’re knee-deep in the next emergency, call now.
Check out the VOAD Facebook page for more information.
http://mariposacommunity.foundation/MCF/
There are a variety of events over the coming days, weeks and months to raise money for the cause.
