By KRISTI MAYFIELD
Images of fires ravaging picturesque landscapes and communities facing the most difficult challenges of their lives have filled our minds and touched our hearts as residents in Southern California try to move forward, many of them having lost their homes, businesses and schools. For a certain family here in the Central Valley, they were so moved by the ongoing fires that they decided to work together to help our neighbors to the south
Christina Barreto of Valley Home is working with her family including her brother-in-law, Juan Torres, who owns Juan M. Torres Trucking Inc., out of Hughson, to coordinate and deliver much needed supplies to Southern California residents that have been impacted by the devastating fires that have spread throughout the area.
“We’ve got to try to help some of these people. They have lost everything,” said Barreto, as she learned more about the deadly fires over the weekend.
Though firefighters were working on containment, Barreto, along with others throughout the region, were inspired to help when learning of how many families have been displaced as a result of the fires. Barreto said that when discussing the idea of donations, her brother-in-law indicated he was happy to help. Torres will be taking the donations to Southern California next week so Barreto and Torres are working together to ensure that they have everything loaded and ready to go as soon as possible.
For those interested in donating, contact Christina Barreto directly at 209-499-4160. She will coordinate logistics and will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 17 and at various times throughout this weekend, Jan. 18 and 19. All donations must be received by Jan. 20.
Items that are needed include but are not limited to: water, non-perishable/canned foods, clothing including socks and underwear, towels, washrags, blankets, hygiene items, sanitary products, diapers, baby wipes, activities such as board games, coloring books, etc. for children and pet food. Any and all donations are welcome; it’s one small way to help make a big difference.
