VENTURA, Calif. and
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.,
Dec. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/
-- The massive Thomas
Fire, now the 4th largest in California history, continues to burn in both
Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. To date, the fire has
destroyed a total of 921 structures, damaged 200 and is threatening
18,000 more. Over 95,000 residents have evacuated their homes in
both counties. Over 240,000 acres have burned with current
containment at 25 percent.
In response to an outpouring of support, United Way of
Santa Barbara County is joining
forces with United Way of Ventura
County with a joint fund to directly support those
individuals and families affected by the fire in both Counties—The
United Way Thomas Fire Fund.
Local community partners have determined that the United Way
organizations, in both counties, are uniquely positioned and
qualified to manage the disaster fund, accept contributions, make
distributions, promote the fund and provide a report to the
community on how the funds were used.
"The financial and emotional costs of the loss of homes and
businesses in Ventura County,
including Ojai, is immense and
difficult to comprehend," said Eric
Harrison, CEO, United Way of Ventura County. "We will do all we can to
ensure a solid path to recovery for our residents."
"While Santa Barbara County is fortunate in that it has not yet
lost a vast number of structures, the level of stress and financial
toll for thousands of evacuees will be great and includes missed
work for residents, relocation costs, food, clothing property
damage, childcare and healthcare," said Steve Ortiz, President & CEO, United Way of
Santa Barbara County.
"By combining our resources, we believe that we can reach more
people and groups/organizations, including those outside our
region, who are looking for ways to support those affected," said
Harrison and Ortiz in a joint statement.
To date, $2.25 million has been
raised.
One-hundred percent of the donations will support those in
communities affected by the wildfires. Donations can be made online
at www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org or by texting UWVC to 41444, or
by calling 805-485-6288. Checks may be sent to the United Way
office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003. Please write "Thomas
Fire Fund" in the memo.
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SOURCE United Way Thomas Fire Fund