Chicago residents doing their half to assist these impacted by devastating California wildfires

CHICAGO — As devastating wildfires rage in California, residents in Chicagoland are doing their half to assist these impacted.

American Crimson Cross volunteers in Illinois are on standby this week to assist individuals evacuate from the wildfires burning in southern California. The group anticipates sending volunteers from Illinois within the subsequent day or two and one volunteer is already gearing as much as depart on Friday.

At Saint Clement Church, within the 600 block of West Deming Place in Lincoln Park, a 6 p.m. mass was devoted to the victims of the wildfires.

“This night, we reply to the wants of our brothers and sisters in Los Angeles,” Father Brett Williams mentioned.

Chicagoans got here collectively to wish for all these struggling 2,000 miles away.

“A lot of our individuals right here have ties to household, buddies, in Los Angeles and lots of really feel helpless. What do they do? And so the very best response for a Christian is to wish. To raise individuals to the lord,” Williams mentioned.

Overwhelming flames have forced thousands of people to evacuate from their properties and claimed the lives of at the very least 5, and the dying toll is anticipated to climb.

“As we have a look at these pictures on our tv screens and we hear the reviews coming from that a part of this nation, we’re shocked, we’re devastated, their lives, so many individuals’s lives ruined,” Williams mentioned.

Father Williams mentioned he desires believers to take their religion one step additional by acts of charity.

“I’d encourage individuals to not solely pray for the victims however discover methods of supporting them in additional concrete phrases,” Williams mentioned.

Others referred to as to take motion and assist are volunteers with the American Crimson Cross of Illinois. One of many volunteers already referred to as to deploy is Vicky Brown from Rockford. Different Illinois volunteers are prepared and on standby.

“We undoubtedly assist out anytime there’s a significant catastrophe like this. Our volunteers in Illinois and Chicago are a few of the first to boost their hand,” Mara Thompson, Communications Supervisor for the American Crimson Cross of Illinois, mentioned.

Thompson mentioned the precedence is to offer shelter, meals and emotional assist. She mentioned individuals right here at dwelling may also assist by making a donation to the American Crimson Cross.

“One of the simplest ways to assist right now, if you find yourself not in a position to be there bodily, is to make a monetary donation. That ensures the Crimson Cross may help individuals impacted as fast as attainable, ensuring they’ve a secure place to go,” Thompson mentioned.

The American Crimson Cross mentioned it’s at all times in want of volunteers. Go to the Red Cross website for extra info on how to participate.