SOROPTIMIST BEAR FIRE AD HOC COMMITTEE
Saturday, October 3, 2020
The Bear Fire, which encompasses the Western portion of the North Complex Fire was started by lightening on August 18, 2020. The bear fire exploded on September 8, and in the early hours of September 9, tens of thousands of people evacuated the hills east of Oroville. The little town of Berry Creek was almost completely destroyed.
The town of Berry Creek is located about 25 miles northeast of Oroville in hilly terrain at a 2,000 feet elevation. The population was approximately 1,400, and every August, they would host the Berry Creek Berry Festival, a whole day of music, arts, crafts, and of course, berry pie. This community was home to an elementary school, two small mountain churches, one mini mart with gas and one small community Park. All of these are now gone, and many individuals, families, pets and livestock are homeless.
As people do in times of crisis, they reach out to help, to donate food, clothing, shelter, love and support. The community of Oroville, Butte County and beyond has embraced this need, and the North Complex West Zone Fire Relief Drive-through Supply and Hot Food Giveaway took place for the second time on Saturday, October 3. Truly a collaborative effort with Tiny Homes Foundation, Christian Faith Center, Community Action Agency, Hope Center, Lion’s Club, Slice of Respect, Sewa USA/International ( humanitarian service organization), 4G Foundation (a service organization to meet those with need), Dads That Cook, Rolling Stone Pizza.
We distributed 20 Walmart gift cards each in the amount of $100 at the distribution event today. Women with children and single women were our only priority, and in order to receive gift cards, proof was needed that they were in fact a fire victim. It was an amazing day, full of joy and sadness, plenty and loss, but most of all, a time to come together to honor one another.
The Soroptimist Bear Creek Ad Hoc Committee will continue to monitor funds coming into our club for the Bear Fire, and will continue to work with Tiny Pine Homes and Christian Faith Center for their ongoing distributions and help. This is, after all, a long-term recovery process.
If you are interested in contributing financial support for Bear Fire victims, go to the SI Chico website. Under Bear Fire Donations, you will see a donation button. This will take you to a secure Pay Pal Page. The committee will continue to distribute these funds as long as they come in.
We will continue to keep you updated, as well as post some pictures on our Club’s Members Only Facebook page. Thank you for your support.
Bear Fire Ad Hoc Committee
Rosie Potestio
Margaret VanLaanMartin
