[A guest blog spot by ISS Managing Editor Drew Whitney.]
Many years ago, I accepted my first full-time newspaper reporter position, working for the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza in Incline Village, Nev. It's a beautiful place, snugly set against the mountains on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Having covered the news there during a summertime draught, I am filled with angst knowing that so much land has been destroyed by fire alongside the parched southern shoreline of the lake.
Every year, the West suffers from wildfires; it's just a matter of where and to what extent. According to recent reports, the Tahoe wildfire of 2007 is partially contained, offering hope that this tragedy will soon turn toward resolution and recovery. As it stands, 3,100 acres have been charred, and 276 homes and buildings have met their demise, displacing families, pets, businesses, you name it. In addition, the lieutenant governor has declared a state of emergency for the area.
As is often the case, people rally and offer support to others in need, especially in the case of unforeseen tragedy. We've all been affected by the hurricane season that drenched and devastated New Orleans; certainly the Lake Tahoe scenario pales in comparison, but it's a tragedy for some nonetheless.
Fortunately, nearby communities are pulling together to collect money and donations of clothes and household items for victims of the fire. According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Gov. Jim Gibbons is encouraging donations be collected and stored in Carson City, Nev., elementary schools, and a Goodwill store in nearby Sparks, Nev., has offered 60,000 square feet for storage. Store volunteers will tag and sort clothing by size in preparation for distribution.
My guess and wish is that our Inside Self-Storage readership would also be compelled to help out. I encourage Tahoe-area self-storage facilities to band together and lobby for donations to be sent to their sites, stored within vacant units, and then gifted to those who'll be needing such items to return their lives to normalcy.
I visited the website of my alma mater newspaper and created a list of other donation opportunities posted there. Please consider helping in your own way, either by contacting the organizations below or creating a venture of your own. Feel free to send us your ideas. We'd be happy to share them and encourage others to participate.
- American Red Cross in South Lake Tahoe, 530.542.6056, www.redcross.org
- Parasol Community Foundation, 775.298.0100
- Pet Network Animal Friends of Incline Village, 775.832.4404
Finally, the newspaper reports the Northern Nevada Chapter of the Red Cross is stressing that financial donations to help with the Tahoe Fire Relief Fund be sent instead of clothing or food donations. Relief accounts have been set up by the Red Cross at Bank of America's in Nevada and California.