In another act of unity, the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, Folsom Lake Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Folsom are coming together to collect essential supplies for victims of the devastating wildfires in Southern California. The clubs are aiming to fill a moving truck with critical items to provide relief for displaced residents.
“Our delivery last week was very well received, but the need is still great,” said Chuck Thompson, co-president of the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom. Thompson personally delivered the last collection to Southern California and emphasized the urgent demand for additional supplies. “In response, all three Rotary Clubs of Folsom are working together to make a real difference to help those in need.”
Starting Thursday at midday through Saturday at 5 p.m., the Rotary Clubs will be collecting donations at 128 Lost Creek Drive, Folsom. Volunteers will organize and load the donations into a large U-Haul truck, which will be delivered to a distribution hub in Burbank.
“We’re asking our community to bring what they can,” said Thompson. “Our goal is to fully pack this truck with essentials.”
The Rotary Clubs have provided a detailed list of needed items. Donors are asked not to contribute clothing, shoes, or bedding and to ensure all items are new or in like-new condition. The requested supplies include basics such as toilet paper, paper towels, small tissue packets, Chapstick, travel-size lotions, flashlights with batteries, nonperishable snacks (excluding bottled water), and feminine hygiene products.
Medical supplies like masks, Ace wraps, thermometers, glucose test strips, medical tape, and gloves are also in high demand. For seniors, the clubs are requesting flushable wipes, adult underwear such as Depends, Ensure protein drinks, and stuffed animals for comfort. Items for children include diapers, baby wipes, small games, and stuffed toys, while pet-related contributions like leashes and kitty litter are also welcomed.
Last week, the Folsom Rotary Clubs pooled their resources and manpower to fill two large vehicles and a cargo trailer with vital goods. Contributions poured in from across District 5180, including a Sprinter van full of supplies from the Laguna Sunrise Rotary Club. The collected items addressed a wide range of needs, from medical supplies to comfort items for evacuees.
“In less than 48 hours, we delivered thousands of much-needed diapers, medical supplies, personal hygiene items, snacks, and blankets to District 5280 in Burbank,” said Thompson, after the first trip. “This is the magic of Rotary.”
Upon arriving in Burbank, the Rotarians were met by District Governor Albert Hernandez and fellow Rotary members, who facilitated the distribution of the supplies to evacuees and first responders.
The wildfires in Southern California, including the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst Fires, have burned more than 60,000 acres, destroying homes and displacing tens of thousands of residents. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives. Strong winds have continued to fuel the crisis, leading to ongoing red flag warnings. Many local fire crews have made the trip to assist in Southern California and the Rotarians, together with the community of Folsom will soon be making a second trip to continue their assistance as well.
