Although the Wye Fire in eastern Lake County is now 100-percent contained, there are personal stories that deserve our attention as neighbors and friends.
On Aug. 14, Lake County Farm Bureau staff made calls to members and folks we believed to be in the area impacted by the fire. The good news is most of the people we reached were safe. Some phone calls went unanswered, undoubtedly because of downed power lines.
What are we trying to accomplish by making these calls? Our intent is to find out from folks what they need. Then we will send out an email with a list of those needs to our Farm Bureau distribution list.
We offered to post items on their behalf in an effort to help coordinate assistance. We also let them know that our office is available for phone, fax and computer use for email access if they do not currently have service. Everyone we spoke to greatly appreciated the contact and the offer.
Here is the story with a different ending. Perhaps you have already heard, but the Hue De Laroque Family suffered great loss to their orchard, vineyard, extensive garden and power supply.
You probably know them from the Farmers Markets, selling delicious jams and dipping oils. They depend on their farming operation as their source of income. Although they are grateful for the fire break that saved their home, they are truly devastated and are in need of your help.
We are keeping in touch with the family as to what their immediate needs are and will pass that information on to you as it comes through to us.
In the meantime, a website has been set-up by Gina Clark to receive financial donations that will go to the family. To contribute to this site, visit www.giveforward.com/huedelaroque.
Hopefully they will be at the Farmers Market at Steele Wines on Saturday. Perhaps you can stop by their booth and visit with them, shake their hand, give them a hug or listen to their story. Giving to those in need comes in a variety of forms.
Claudia Street
Executive Director, Lake County Farm Bureau
