The Palisades Fires in Los Angeles devastated the people of LA. Displacing families and needing emergency responders from across California. Among those respondents answering the call was the Dinuba Fire Department which deployed a fire engine to assist the intense fires. Students from Dinuba School NAMI Club have organized a donation drive to support the affected families. These efforts highlight Dinuba’s commitment to helping those in need, even beyond their community.
Captain Ryan Wilson, a firefighter with the Dinuba Fire Department for 16 years, was one of many firefighters sent out to battle the fire. “We came up with a plan that would allow us to deploy an engine crew without reducing any services to the city of Dinuba which was our primary goal,” said Captain Wilson. Although the fire didn’t present any unusual challenges, he noted overwhelming support from the community of Los Angeles. “Everybody was overwhelmingly nice, very welcoming. There were so many people trying to come into the incident to donate food, water, and everything they could,” said Captain Wilson.
Back in Dinuba, NAMI Club Members took action by starting a donation drive.” We saw how much of an issue it was and we wanted to do something to help,” said Ava Rose Arias, the club president. Rather than sending the donated items, the club plans to personally deliver the items to LA. “It’ll be good to make sure it’s going directly to the cause and see that we are making a change.”
When gathering donations, NAMI members have been spreading the word through the school to raise awareness for the crisis. “We’ve been advertising all over the school. We think that any kid could donate,” the club president explained. Dinuba has been able to step forward and lead a helping hand. “ I know that we’re going to be making a change three hours away,” Arias added.
Both the firefighters and students share the deep sense of responsibility by helping others. ”The level of work and dedication, just empathy and compassion that everybody at the fire department puts forth in making sure that the citizens of Dinuba Have the highest level of care and service we give 200% all day every day!” Captain Wilson stated.
Whether fighting fires or organizing donations, Dinuba’s response to the Palisades Fires shows the community’s strength and willingness to step up and support people in need.
Donations of food, clothing, and other essentials will be accepted in room B221 through Friday, January 31st.
