The fires that have affected the residents of Lake County in the last few years have been devastating, but locals are finding creative ways to rebuild not only properties but hope.
This Saturday, April 28, Kerrie’s Quilting of Lakeport will host a quilt donation event for survivors of the Valley, Clayton, and Sulphur fires. Owner Kerrie Hershey will be offering the quilts from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at her North High Street location. To help the people most affected by the recent fires, specifically, those who have lost their homes, Hershey has asked that quilt recipients “bring proof of their loss” with them to the event. Donees will choose their quilt according to their liking, on a first come, first served basis.
An array of quilters from around Lake County have joined together to make this event possible, including groups like the Konocti Quilters and the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, as well as independent quilters and participants in Kerrie’s Quilting’s workshops. It takes several months for one person to complete a full-sized quilt, meaning that the dozens of quilts that will be offered at this charity event represent a considerable amount of work.
Northern California has seen some of the worst fires in its history in recent years, including the Valley Fire of 2015, which burned over 75,000 acres and destroyed the dwellings of at least 1,300 families, according to Cal Fire. But the county’s reaction to its losses has been one of resilience and multifaceted support. From #LakeCountyRising, a far-reaching fundraising effort endorsed by U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson, to charity events like the ongoing Sulphur Fire Benefit Concert series in Lakeport, Lake County locals have been relentless in their rebuilding efforts, often making the most of their given skills and resources.
Hershey, who has been quilting since 1979, has many friends and relatives who lost homes and more to the fires of 2015-17, though her property was left unharmed. She hopes to comfort those in need with Saturday’s offering.
Kerrie’s Quilting is located at 1853 N High St, Lakeport. For more information call 707-263-8555.
