January 31, 2018
Ways We Can Help Our Neighbors, Friends, Those in Need Throughout Montecito
"How Can I Help?" There will be many answers to this question in the coming days, weeks, months and beyond. All of us are working to find ways to assist those in need in our area. Right now, we have two ways to be God's hands and feet in service to our neighbors. See below the initial steps we can each consider:
Donate Funds to All Saints

You can DONATE to All Saints; the funds will be used to help those impacted by the mudslides and who do not have all the resources needed to begin their recovery. The clergy and our Outreach Committee will guide and oversee how to best use the funds.

CLICK this link to go to the online giving portal on the All Saints website. You can also mail in a check, send a wire transfer, donate appreciated stocks. More information is available on the  All Saints website at this link.
All Saints "Adopts" the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade;
Sign Up To Help In Several Different Ways

All Saints is partnering with an ad hoc group of (strong) area residents who are led by Abe Powell, the president of the Montecito Fire Protection District Board. He's organized the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade of people who are helping residents to dig mug out from their homes. Here's their focus (note they are not removing mud but moving around to provide access):
  1. Create pathways to doors and garages 
  2. Move mud from inside homes and help owners/renters look for personal possessions
  3. Move mud from around the perimeter of a home to allow access to crawl spaces, utility hook-ups, etc.
  4. Dig out cars or other items in yards
  5. Dig mud away from the base of large trees, such as oaks
The Brigade has already helped at least two parish families: one to dig out an automobile and another who needed mud removed from a driveway to enable removal of a car from the garage.

We can do much if we are creative and open to the Holy Spirit that is calling us to help those who cannot help themselves during this period of tragedy and sorry. 

Here's what they could use from All Saints:
  1. Strong people who can dig/move mud
  2. Purchase and delivery of items such as bins that homeowners/renters can use to place items they recover; gloves; shovels; eye protection glasses, N95 masks.
  3. Help to pick up/deliver meals
  4. Help at work areas to coordinate cleaning stations, meal services, etc.
  5. Help at the check-in table to assign volunteers and homeowners who seek help
Details for Those Working to Shovel or Sort in Mud

For those who work to shovel mud or sort through the mud, you are asked to sign a waiver taking full responsibility for your actions and involvement. You can check in at 10 a.m. at the Brigade table set up in the Montecito Oaks neighborhood just off Olive Mill Road -- find the corner of San Benito and SantoTomas. 

Please follow this link to fill out the preliminary volunteer form:  https://goo.gl/forms/fBl2aZfIyuYtoWrf2

Details for Homeowners/Renters Who Need Help

If you or anyone you know are seeking help regarding property damage or other issues related to flood:  Please follow this link to give contact and other critical information:  https://goo.gl/forms/fwnrKWkQO5RyXKAU2

Details to Volunteer for Non-Mud-Related Volunteer Support
If you would like to volunteer through All Saints, please contact 
Sheri Benninghoven at
Chip Nichols jumped in to buy shovels, gloves, bins and more and delivered to the Santa Barbara Mud Brigade.
[email protected] or via cell/text at 805-450-4886. Already, we've accomplished the following:
  • Don Benninghoven bought bins and gloves at Home Improvement and delivered them to the Mud Brigade's check-in table; he's also volunteering to help coordinate volunteers
  • Chip Nichols bought from OSH and delivered shovels, gloves and bins
  • Vera and Richard Scheef arranged for 75 sandwiches for all the workers' lunch on Tuesday
  • Sheri Benninghoven ordered masks and protective suits and made Don deliver them to the check-in site
Don Benninghoven delivers bins and gloves to the Mud Brigade work site at the corner of San Benito and Santo Tomas in the Montecito Oaks neighborhood.

The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade Helps To Clear Mud for Access, Find Personal Items
Check this video to see how the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade is helping our friends and neighbors.

Click on this image to see an interview with Abe Power, the leader of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade.

Bishops, Clergy, Diocesan Leaders Present Funds to All Saints for Mudslide Victims
The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy of the LA Diocese presents a check from funds raised by the Diocese to help victims of the fire and mudslides.
Dear Clergy and Lay Leaders of the Diocese:
With the Rev. Canon Michael Bamberger, I have been working on identifying and assessing needs within the areas that have been affected by this recent outbreak of wildfire and mudslides. Canon Bamberger has been in touch with Episcopal Relief and Development regarding a grant application for funds to support the most vulnerable in these areas. We are particularly concerned about the homeless and the undocumented. Once funds are secured we will deliver gift cards for food and clothing to organizations that work directly with these populations and to parishes who can provide support. Episcopal Relief and Development continues to be an excellent and generous partner and we hope to supplement what they are able to grant us with our own fire relief fund. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please send a tax-deductible contribution to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Checks may be made out to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles with fire relief fund in the memo line. We will update you on funds received and how these gift cards have been distributed. 
As you know, any amount offered is gratefully received and makes a difference, as do your prayers. 

With gratitude for your prayers and generosity, 

The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy 
Canon to the Ordinary Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
 

Rev. Aimee is embraced by Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce, Bishop John Taylor and Rev. Melissa.


To give to the Los Angeles Diocese fire and mudslide victims' fund , c lick  HERE  to go to a secure giving page.

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