• Justin Pansacola

The Salvation Army Aids Thomas Fire Survivors as Recovery Enters Full Swing

LOCAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS OPEN IN NEW PHASE OF DISASTER RELIEF

Los Angeles, CA, December 14, 2017– The Thomas Fire remains a force to be reckoned with, especially for the surrounding Ventura area. Containment levels have improved to 30%, and many of last week’s evacuees are looking for help from the many organizations and agencies that have arrived in the wake of the disaster.

The Salvation Army has been serving the community since the initial evacuations last week. At two major shelters, we served a combined total of 4,619 meals, up until December 9.

As shelters have scaled back and some evacuation orders have been lifted, the focus has shifted into recovery. This has taken the form of distribution centers at The Salvation Army Ventura Corps (650 S Petit Ave, Ventura, CA 93004) and the Santa Paula Community Center (530 W Main St, Santa Paula, CA 93060). Both locations are distributing canned goods and non-perishable food items, while the Santa Paula location is also distributing clothing, hygiene products, diapers, cleaning kits, toiletries and more to people affected by the wildfire. In three days (December 11 to December 13) both centers have combined to distribute 99 blankets, 416 items of clothing, food items to 57 families/households, 144 cases of water and 417 respirator masks. Anyone affected by the wildfire that needs immediate supplies is being instructed to stop by one of the locations.

A Local Assistance Center (LAC) has also been set up at Poinsettia Pavilion (3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003). The Pavilion will host several agencies and organizations, including The Salvation Army, to offer information and assistance to survivors. The Salvation Army has been fulfilling needs by providing financial assistance to families and individuals that have lost their homes to the fire. The LAC is tentatively open until December 31 depending on the needs of the community.

The Salvation Army is asking the public for financial donations, which can then be used to meet immediate challenges and specific needs. To donate, go to socal.salvationarmy.org or call 1 800 SAL ARMY and donate to fire relief today.