Winslow community members have come together to assist in relief for victims of the Tinder Fire. The fire began April 27 and as of press time had taken 33 primary residences, 55 minor structures and consumed over 12,000 acres. Nearly 600 crewmembers have been involved, from fire fighters to support personnel. Re-entry for residents that had been evacuated began May 4.
Gina Gose spearheaded the group in Winslow. “I wanted to show our neighbors that in their time of need, we are here for them,” She said. Gose started the group on Facebook and it has grown to 59 members. Those members organized to gather donations of toiletries as well as monetary donations to assist residents and fire crews. United Way representative Christine Pierce met with the group and informing them of the need for monetary donations and volunteers. There is also a need for cleanup assistance and volunteers with a CDL license will be put to work at the center that has been established to organize efforts at the Starlight Pines Community Center in Blueridge.
Those who wish to help with cleanup efforts should register with the United Way before going to the center. “We are going to need volunteers until the cleanup is over,” Pierce said. Volunteers can also text ‘volunteer now’ to 51555 to register.
Donations can be made directly to the United Way by visiting their website at www.nazunitedway.org or by texting ‘2018 Fire’ to 41444.
To join the Winslow group, look for them on Facebook as Tinder Fire Donation Crew. Gose added, “Winslow is always here when it’s needed. Small communities can do big things.”
