• Rachael Fowler

Salvation Army Continues to Support Evacuees of Bluecut Fire

Victorville, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2016) – The Salvation Army continues to serve the evacuees and victims of the Bluecut Fire by providing meals, clothing and emotional care at the shelter / evacuation center stationed at the San Bernardino Fairgrounds.  An average of 200 to 300 people are served by The Salvation Army during each mealtime.

Approximately 500 meals have been served since fire response began on Wednesday morning, thanks to teamwork between Salvation Army volunteers, The Red Cross and generous community donors. The Salvation Army has also provided more than 200 towels to evacuees staying at the shelter.

The Salvation Army has been meeting with those impacted by the fire, offering them groceries and meals, clothing, and referrals. "Most importantly, we listened to their story and hopefully gave them compassion and encouragement, letting them know The Salvation Army cares and we are there for them," says Maxine DiDonado, social services program manager for The Salvation Army in Victorville.

In addition to fire relief efforts, The Salvation Army continues its normal daily services to the community, including serving lunch to the homeless and opening the food pantry. The Salvation Army will continue to support the needs of evacuees over the weekend, and will resume normal services, in addition to disaster services, on Monday. 

The Bluecut Fire began Tuesday morning in the High Desert, along the Cajon Pass West of the I-15.  As of 10a.m. today (August 20), the fire had grown to more than 37,000 acres and was 68% contained. Of a total of 82,649 people evacuated, approximately 7,000 remain evacuated.

The Salvation Army will continue meal service as long as the shelter/ evacuation center remains open and is prepared to provide emotional care to survivors as they return to their neighborhoods and learn the fate of their homes and communities. Anyone impacted by the fire is encouraged to call The Salvation Army for clothes, groceries, household items, and other care. 

How people can help:

Those who wish to support The Salvation Army’s disaster response financially may do so by sending a check earmarked “Bluecut Wildfire” to their local Salvation Army office, by donating online at http://salar.my/bluecutdonation or by making a credit card donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.  Be sure to designate the donation for the “Bluecut Wildfires.”

The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to sort in-kind donations at its Victorville location, 14585 La Paz, next to the Rite Aid. Anyone who wishes to donate water, food supplies or clothing (please no furniture at this time), should call 760-245-2545 or drop off in person from 9a.m. - 3:30p.m Monday – Friday.

The Salvation Army is grateful to the public for their continued support.

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