How Can I Help?: Update

As residents of Southern California, it is difficult to watch our neighboring communities in crisis and feel as though there is nothing we can do. We are all affected by the fires that have destroyed so many homes and displaced hundreds of people.

The purpose of this blog is to connect those who want to help with those in need due to the fires in south Orange County and San Diego. We want to not only assist those who have an immediate need, but also those who will have various needs in the coming months as they try to put their lives back together.

The evacuation centers organized by the Red Cross can no longer accept donated items and are turning away individuals and groups bringing donated goods. We have worked with several church groups and have organized a donation center at Saddleback Covenant Church (not to be confused with Saddleback Community Church) for those who have purchased items to donate but have been turned away. Donations of such items will be accepted from 9:00 AM until noon Saturday, October 27 only. (See the address below.) We will deliver the donations to the evacuation centers as soon as they are prepared to accept more.
The best way to help, however, is financially. Financial donations will enable volunteers to purchase specific items for the specific needs of those who have lost their homes and those displaced due to the fires. Saddleback Covenant Church will accept checks for that purpose. (Please write your check to SCC and on the bottom notate “Fire Fund”.)
• Tax Deductible Monetary donations will be accepted until further notice.
• Donated items will be collected on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27TH from 9:00 AM until NOON at the following location:

Saddleback Covenant Church
23401 Madero, Ste. C
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

For directions and/or map: http://www.saddlebackcovenant.com/location.html

Please call this number ONLY for information on making a monetary donation: 949-770-0291. Any other questions can be posted in the comments on this blog. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and please check back soon!