In a show of community spirit, members from all three Rotary Clubs of Folsom joined forces to provide critical support for victims of the devastating Southern California wildfires. Over a whirlwind 48 hours, these Rotarians organized, collected, and delivered essential supplies to evacuees and firefighters in the affected areas.
Pooling resources and manpower, the Folsom Rotary Clubs filled two large vehicles and a cargo trailer with vital goods. Clubs from across District 5180 also contributed, with donations pouring in from surrounding communities. Among the contributors was the Laguna Sunrise Rotary Club, which delivered a Sprinter van loaded with diapers, flushable wipes, and other necessities.
The Rotary Club of Historic Folsom took the lead in logistics, dispatching a truck and trailer at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday to deliver supplies to an evacuation center for the fire victims of Southern California. The donated items addressed a wide range of needs, including medical supplies such as thermometers, glucose test strips, and gloves; personal care products like diapers, flushable wipes, and adult underwear; comfort items for seniors and children, including blankets and stuffed animals; essential household items like toilet paper and paper towels; and pet supplies such as leashes and kitty litter.
“Here’s the magic! In less than 48 hours from putting the word out to our local community, we delivered thousands of much-needed diapers, medical supplies, personal hygiene items, snacks, and blankets to District 5280 in Burbank,” said Chuck Thompson, co-president of the Historic Folsom Rotary Club with his wife, Connie. “This is the magic of Rotary.”
Upon arrival in Burbank, the Folsom Rotarians met with District Governor Albert Hernandez and fellow Rotarians to unload the supplies at a centralized facility. Their contributions provided immediate relief to evacuees and supported the ongoing efforts of first responders battling the fires.
Southern California’s wildfires, including the Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst Fires, have scorched over 38,000 acres, destroyed homes, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. At least 24 fatalities have been reported, with dozens still missing. Dangerous weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity, have exacerbated the crisis, prompting continued red flag warnings.
As of Monday morning, the fires that began on January 7 have caused widespread destruction. The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades has burned 23,713 acres with containment at 14 percent. The Eaton Fire, located northeast of Los Angeles in Altadena, has scorched 14,117 acres and reached 33 percent containment. Meanwhile, the Hurst Fire in Sylmar, in the northern San Fernando Valley, has affected 799 acres and is 95-percent contained.
As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blazes, the need for community support remains critical. Officials have urged donors to coordinate with centralized donation centers to ensure resources reach those in need.
The efforts of the Folsom Rotarians reflect the best of what community service can achieve in times of crisis. Their swift action and dedication embody the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” inspiring others to lend a helping hand in the face of tragedy.
