Fire Refugees
Last Sunday before the start of the worship service I asked how many of those in attendance knew someone who was affected by the fires. Almost everyone in the room raised their hands. Afterwards people shared stories about friends and family members who had lost their homes or who had been evacuated. Someone shared that the church where they had been baptised had burned down. Another member shared that the entire neighborhood where they grew up was gone. Though the skies above Santa Barbara have been remarkably clear, there is an emotional heaviness lingering in the air. Our thoughts are on our neighbors to the south.
It goes without saying that this is a disaster that will have long-term impacts. Recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. There will be many needs and lots of opportunities to help in small and large ways. If you are looking for a way to help now, you can start this week by looking around your house. St. Andrew’s is collecting used household items in good condition to bring to fire refugees who have lost everything and need the basics. Think about all the things around your house that you use everyday—-can openers, kettles, towels, lamps, clocks, pots and pans, spatulas, mixing bowls, bathmats, bedsheets—-the list goes on. If you have two of something and you can spare one of them, you can bring it to the church and it will become part of a care package for people who are starting all over again with nothing. Everyone is invited to join us on Saturday, January 25th starting at 8:00 am to help pack the items up in boxes for easy delivery as well.
If you want to buy something new to donate, that is okay too. But as long as your used item is in good working condition it will be put to good use by someone who needs it. (One way to determine if an item is appropriate to donate is to ask yourself if it is something that you would buy at a thrift store.)
Offering money is always a good way to help people in crisis, provided it’s through a credible organization. Both Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Red Cross are trusted organizations that are experienced in disaster relief:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:
Financial support for relief efforts can be designated to DR000165, which supports the church’s response to wildfires in the U.S. Gifts can be made online by clicking HERE, by phone at 800-728-7228, ext. 5885, or by check made payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with “PDA-CF25-E” written on the memo line and mailed to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
Red Cross
You can donate to 2025 California Wildfires relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
You can also visit the State of California‘s website for more information on volunteering or making donations to organizations at https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/wildfire-recovery/
Finally, everytime you find yourself thinking about (or worrying about) the fires, you can turn your thoughts into prayers. Pray for the protection of firefighters. Pray for resilience for the refugees. Pray for opportunities to help. Prayer is an act of love that has an immeasurable impact on everyone, including the one who prays.
Praying alongside you,
Pastor Jen
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