For those without transportation, evacuation centers were unreachable. For those without identification, “mainstream” support was unavailable. And for those without documentation, fear of deportation was unbearable. During the past week, a grassroots coalition of individuals and organizations, led by Border Angels and M.A.P.A., has delivered dozens of truckloads of supplies directly to those most impacted by the fires, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of caring San Diegans (thank you all!). This effort will and must continue, as the need is enormous, urgent, and ongoing.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to contribute, or if you are fortunate enough to be able to give again, please know that your in-kind and financial support is still greatly needed and deeply appreciated.

Thank you again for your kindness!

Joni K. Craig
(619) 549-8082

HOW TO HELP SAN DIEGO’S FORGOTTEN FIRE VICTIMS

Donation Drop-off Sites
Items Most Needed in the Coming Weeks Include: food, water, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, MEN’S clothing, clean socks, new underwear (for men, women, & children), and tents/ canopies/ tarps (for shade).

SAN DIEGO—Western Service Workers Association, 3014 Imperial Ave., 92102, (619) 238-9763. PLEASE CALL FIRST to schedule a drop-off time, as their staff / volunteer capacity is limited (and please let them know if you can help with sorting donations, transporting supplies, etc.).

NATIONAL CITY—Environmental Health Coalition, 401 Mile of Cars Way, #310, 91950, (619) 474-0220, ehc [at] environmentalhealth.org. Donations may be dropped off anytime between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

EL CAJON—Center for Social Advocacy, 1068 Broadway St., #221, 92021, (619) 444-5700, info [at] c4sa.org. Please call for drop-off hours.

FALLBROOK—260 Almond St., (760) 468-4519 (Ricardo—English/Spanish)—Private home.

VISTA—128 W. Indian Rock Road, (760) 468-4519 (Silvia—Spanish)—Private home.


Financial Contributions
Please mail checks in any amount to one or more of the following:

Border Angels—P.O. Box 86598, San Diego, CA 92138, (619) 269-7865, http://www.borderangels.org (Please write “Fire Relief” on the memo line).

San Diego Foundation for Change (SDFC)—3758 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104, (619) 692-0527, http://www.foundation4change.org (Please see website for details on a new funding initiative to support grassroots efforts and write “Fires 2007 - Fund for Change” on the memo line).

Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice (ICWJ), 3727 Camino del Rio South, #100, San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 584-5744, http://onlinecpi.org//article.php?list=type&type=83 (Please write “Fire Relief” on the memo line. ICWJ is also accepting gift cards from Stater Bros, Food 4 Less, Albertsons, Ralphs, Vons, Costco, and Target to be distributed directly to janitors, restaurant / hotel employees, and other workers impacted by the fires in North County).

San Diego-Imperial Counties' Central Labor Council, 4305 University Ave., #340, San Diego, 92105, (619) 641-0074 or 641-0095, http://www.unionyes.org. (Please make checks payable to “United Way Labor Participation” and write “Fire Relief” on the memo line. The Labor Council is also accepting in-kind contributions—please see website for details and note that all donations will help union workers regardless of their immigration status).