Officials with the Kern Chapter of the American Red Cross say dozens of people affected by the wildfires need help right now and a donation as little as five dollars will go a long way.
As firefighters continue their battle against the Bull and West fires, Red Cross officials say those who have walked into their shelters have had their lives turned upside down. Many, like Sandy McDaniels lost their homes in the West fire. "I don't know what to say. I handled okay, cause I'm not materialistic and I'm glad everyone's alive but just seeing it, it's kind of shocking."
At the Red Cross in Bakersfield, donations are pouring in from the community. Boxes of diapers, pallets of bottled water and comfort kits, each containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other essentials, will be driven up to the shelters immediately.
These are all made possible through monetary donations designated for the kern wildfire victims.
Red cross officials say they need to raise at least $20,000 to help those affected by the wildfires. "$20,000 already, we know that's what we are at least going to spend on this disaster so we need the funds," says Jennifer Perfect, Kern Chapter American Red Cross.
The funds will be used to help transition the families in need with money for hotels, clothing and food. Coincidentally, KGET TV-17 is sposoring a blood drive right outside our studios on Monday, the first Monday of August, which is the slowest month of the year for blood donations.
That's why TV-17 is joining forces for the blood bank and the Kern Red Cross. Come donate blood and support the kern wildfire families through the Red Cross and every little bit will count. "You give 5 dollars, that's a comfort kit for somebody. Twenty dollars that's fuel to get us to a shelter to take supplies out there. Every little bit really helps and and that's what we need right now," added Perfect.
Now you must designate your donations specifically for the Kern wildfire victims when you make your donation to ensure it stays here at home. You can also text donations to the Red Cross, by texting to the number 90999.
Our Red Cross and Houchin Blood Bank Drive will be held Monday, August 2nd from 5:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., outside the 17 studios at 22nd and L Streets.
