SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – LOVEfirst, the organization helping evacuees of the Holiday Farm Fire, is putting out a call for donations after a busy week that has drained supplies from the nonprofit.
LOVEfirst secretary Adam Burner said food has been flying off the shelves at their Springfield relief site since Gov. Kate Brown announced a two-week freeze due to the pandemic. Burner said the relief site has not been this busy since shortly after the fire broke out in September.
Organizers said many evacuees are also gearing up for winter and still making arrangements for permanent shelter. Pop-up canopies, tents and gas or electric stoves are also in high demand.
“It’s not a matter of days or weeks to build a home or even find semi-permanent shelter,” Burner said. “These things take time and we’re here to help the community and those displaced by these fires.”
Currently, there is a big need for non-perishable food donations like soup, canned meats and pastas. Burner said many evacuees are looking for quick, easy meals that can be prepared in small spaces, like an RV or hotel room. They also need bigger-ticket items like refrigerators and furniture.
“Nobody is going to leave there without getting some sort of help or assistance. We’re there for everybody in the community and especially those impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire,” Burner said.
LOVEfirst recently announced expanded hours and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday through Saturday at 1489 Mohawk Blvd. in Springfield.
LOVEfirst will also be preparing and delivering Thanksgiving meals to those impacted by Oregon wildfires. To request a meal, volunteer or donate, visit their website.
Read more at… https://www.kezi.com/content/news/Two-week-freeze-anxiety-fuels-need-for-food-donations-573095351.html
