Wildfires are ravaging California’s rural communities, displacing countless families and affecting dozens of small schools and school districts. The fires have destroyed schools, forced campuses to close, and rendered many families homeless—just as students were returning for in-person learning.
Sacramento-area education leaders today announced the launch of “CA Kids Fire Relief.” The statewide effort is encouraging students and school communities across California to provide financial and emotional support to students, families, and schools impacted by the catastrophic wildfires across the region.
How to Help
The education community is being challenged to contribute gift cards for food, clothing, gasoline, as well as credit card-style gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). Online donations are also being accepted via PayPal. (Cash, checks, clothing, and household items are not being collected.)
Students are also requested to make cards and write positive letters of support, which will be hand-delivered to students and schools in the fire regions.
Gift cards and letters should be mailed to:
CA Kids Fire Relief
Ashley Slovak
C/O Sacramento County Office of Education
P.O. Box 269003
Sacramento, CA, 95826-9003
Details
“CA Kids Fire Relief” is a collaboration between the Small School Districts Association (SSDA), the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA), and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE).
SCOE will receive the donated gift cards and distribute them to the affected school districts. Districts, in turn, will distribute cards to students and families as soon as possible. Donations made through PayPal will be managed by the SSDA.
“So many students throughout our state are displaced, devastated, and traumatized,” said Tim Taylor, SSDA Executive Director. “We are calling on students and families who have not been affected by these tragic wildfires to help the kids and families who are just reeling right now.”
“Connecting children with other children is very powerful,” said David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. “Young people throughout our state have urgent needs, and we know there are other compassionate young people who are looking for ways to help.”
“Our school communities throughout the state are experiencing intense and extreme challenges,” El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ed Manansala, said. “This outpouring of coordinated support will provide a sense of care and hope for many.”
Additional information is available on the Small School Districts Association website.