Let’s Bring Light and Hope to California Wildfire Victims
Seeing news of wildfires ravaging California has been so heartbreaking. The photos and videos of the fires look like something out of a film, and yet this horrible reality is what thousands of people are experiencing. Disasters are devastating any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season. At a time when we normally celebrate in abundance and excess, it’s unbearable to think how many families have lost everything.
One city in particular that is heavy on my heart is Ventura. I’ve visited this city several times in the last few years while attending Craftcation Conference. The folks I’ve met at this conference are my crafty tribe, so naturally, I really wanted to find a way to help out. After doing a little digging online, I found a few ways lend a hand.
Keep reading for ways to get involved.
Buy a Ventura Pin
These lovely lapel pins were designed by none other than Nicole Stevenson, co-founder of Craftcation. Each enamel pin costs $10, and 100% of profits will aid fire victims in Ventura via RAKlife, a charity that will use the funds to provide direct assistance to those in the most need. Click here for the Ventura Strong pin or here for the Ventura Love pin.
Drop Off Items at Ventura Strong
Ventura Strong was created by Ventura native, Sara Masterson, to help those affected by the Thomas Fire. You can get involved by donating online, purchasing a product from their shop, or by dropping off much needed items at one of Ventura Strong’s drop off locations.
Donations Needed (as of 12/15/2017):
- Clothing and shoes (all/any sizes)
- Non-perishable food
- Baby items
- Toiletries and women’s sanitary products
- Furniture and bed sheets
- Pet food
- Hangers
- Laundry detergent and dish soap
- Books
Donation Drop Off Locations:
482 E Santa Clara Street
Ventura, CA 93001
2875 Elba Street
Ventura, CA 93003
Ventura Fairgrounds (through Red Cross)
10 W Harbor Boulevard
Ventura, CA 93001
Give to a Verified GoFundMe Campaign
Eager to help, but don’t live nearby? Consider giving to a monetary gift online. GoFundMe has created a list of verified campaigns, which you can view by clicking here. If you, like me, find it hard to select one campaign over another, then you may prefer donating to The Direct Impact Fund, which provides help to all who are affected by the Southern California fires.
More Ways to Lend a Hand
- Red Cross of Ventura County – Apply online to be a volunteer or make a donation online.
- United Way of Ventura County – Donations can be made online, over the phone by dialing (805) 485-6288, or by texting UWCC to 41444.
- Ventura County Community Foundation – Give a donation online, by check, or wire transfer. Click here for details.
In this season of giving, will you join me in helping my friends in California?
I feel so bad