Southern California Wildfires Volunteers & Donations

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. The last Mom heard was that my dad was back at his station. The fires are still going so there's a chance his strike team will be deployed.

I also received the following list from the Las Comadres network and wanted to share this with everyone.

To make a cash donation: Your donation can help organizations obtain goods and services locally to issue assistance to victims.

• American Red Cross: Support their Disaster Relief Fund which enables them to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster
• San Diego Humane Society and SPCA: Help to rescue and evacuate pets
• Volunteer San Diego: Support their Disaster Program which allows them to meet volunteer needs locally
• San Diego Foundation: Support their After-the-Fires fund which will provide food, shelter, housing and address healthcare needs of the victims.

To offer non-cash donations (blankets, food, etc):

• Please call a special hotline set up by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to offer your non-cash donations, 1-800-750-2858
• To volunteer: Search for ways to volunteer at www.californiavolunteers.org
• You can visit also : http://www.wishuponahero.com/ to give and receive help.

Here's a link to help out in Orange County: http://www.ocregister.com/news/font-normal-style-1903511-span-class

Update on Mary's Dad

First, thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers yesterday. I think it's making a difference as the winds are very calm out here in Costa Mesa and down in National City where my family live.

Yesterday, my dad was at a high school fire set by two idiots who apparently were unaware that all of Southern California is burning. Luckily no one was hurt and the fire crews took care of the fire. Last night my grandma and uncle left Spring Valley and today, there are evacuations fo Spring Valley and Bontia.

It's a very serious situation and I feel a bit helpless checking the updates. I think I'll go through our stuff to set aside for donations.

If you want to stay on top of the news in San Diego, go to http://sosdfireblog.blogspot.com/.

For new in Orange County, go to the OC Register.

California Fires

It's a bit scary out here today. The Santa Ana winds whip fiercely through the trees and you can see ash flakes and leaves tumbling in the air. The air is stripped dry and it hurts your eyes and throat to breathe outdoors. We're supposed to have these winds till tomorrow.

Would you mind if ask you for a favor? My dad has been sent out on a strike team today to fight the fires in Southern California (we don't know exactly where he'll be deployed). Would you take a moment to think or pray or send blessings to the fire fighters out there, as well as the people whose lives, homes andbusinesses are in danger?

Thanks so much!