By now, we are all aware of the devastation, displacement and massive loss in our region due to wildfires. Last week, CVCH CEO Patrick Bucknum spent the majority of his “vacation” providing assistance to fire victims. He is just one of many helping in the clean-up efforts, that will undoubtedly continue for a very long time. CVCH was able to provide service to fire victims last week in the following ways:
CVCH donated the use of its Region 7 trailer which was used to:
• Help transport approximately 5,000 meals to aid stations and directly to property owners who lost
everything.
• Help distribute tents, folding chairs, water, gasoline, and other supplies directly to fire victims.
CVCH also donated 240 N-95 dust masks to volunteers and property owners to protect them when sifting through the ash in search of personal items.
Personally, Mr. Bucknum was able to provide the following assistance last week:
Assisted the Salvation Army in collecting and organizing over 50,000 lbs of donated items
Met with the local leaders in Brewster, Pateros, and Twisp to assess their needs and identify areas in need of volunteer service.
Organized and led 80 volunteers into Pateros and Brewster on Saturday to help property owners begin to clear their debris.
Senior Revenue Analyst Sara Deason also joined the clean-up efforts last week and says that no more donations of items (food, clothes, toiletries, etc.) are needed, but what they do need is people volunteering their time to help sort, box, label and distribute all the donations they have received, which have been set up at the high school in Pateros. Of course donations of money or gift cards are always welcomed.
“I was there all day Saturday and it was an overwhelming experience,” Sara said. “Donations are pouring in and it is all they can do to try and keep up.”