In Eugene and Springfield, many grassroots efforts have formed to help those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. Devon Ashbridge with the Lane County Emergency Operations Center said it’s been incredible to see the generosity. She noted one of the best ways to help is by donating money through United Way of Lane County or the Red Cross.
Ashbridge said it’s also helpful to stay away from closed areas. There’s risk from fire, and also the things fire leaves behind, like falling trees, road debris, and landslides.
“People who are attempting to enter the evacuated areas are simply just interfering with the ability of fire crews to do their job," she says. "And we need them 100% focused on limiting the spread of this fire, not in dealing with people who find themselves in trouble because they have violated a road closure.”
Ashbridge said fire crews and others are working toward allowing people to return to their properties, but that it isn’t safe yet.
9/11/20 8:00 p.m.
Update from Lane County Emergency Operations:
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, UNITED WAY OF LANE COUNTY AND THE LANE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ARE PARTNERING WITH THE ORGANIZERS OF THE DONATION CENTER CURRENTLY OPERATING AT SILKE FIELD IN SPRINGFIELD TO PROVIDE A LONG-TERM DROP-OFF AND SORTING LOCATION IN NORTH EUGENE.
THE NEW LOCATION AT 26-99 ROOSEVELT BOULEVARD WILL OPEN TO RECEIVE DONATIONS SATURDAY, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M. AND KEEP THOSE HOURS EACH DAY.
DONATIONS SHOULD NO LONGER BE TAKEN TO SILKE FIELD, OR THE LANE EVENTS CENTER.
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL WILL BEGIN MANAGING THE NEW DONATION LOCATION.
The following is from the Lane County website:
UNITED WAY RELIEF FUND:
United Way of Lane County has just launched an emergency fund to support local wildfire response efforts across Lane County.
United Way’s Wildfire Response Funds will specifically support nonprofits and community organizations assisting community members who have experienced the loss of a home or business, or are otherwise impacted as a result of the 2020 fires. Funds raised will support these organizations in Lane County working directly to meet the needs of families and individuals affected by the fire.
Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations, which must provide services in Lane County, Oregon, have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, be classified as a public entity, or have a qualified fiscal sponsor (i.e. a sponsoring tax-exempt organization).
Funds can be used for food relief, shelter assistance, childcare assistance, health care services, and other supports for vulnerable populations.
Community members and organizations interested in contributing to this local fund can donate online at www.unitedwaylane.org/wildfires; by mailing checks to United Way of Lane County at 3171 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477, or by calling (541) 741-6000.
Organizations can apply for funds on a rolling basis, with grants distributed every two weeks as funds are available. Applications and more information can be found at www.unitedwaylane.org/wildfire-fund-application.
UPDATE: 9/12/2020 A GoFundMepage has been set up to help wildland firefighters who have lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire.
