LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Rocky Fire Relief Fund, created last week by North Coast Opportunities, Mendo Lake Credit Union and the Lake County Department of Social Services, has generated incredible community response, officials reported.
Formally retitled the “Rocky-Jerusalem Fire Relief Fund,” it has raised more than $15,000 in just one week.
With Mendo Lake Credit Union matching $5,000, the total raised is more than $20,000.
“Our goal is to reach $50,000, and with such generous community support we are confident we can get there,” said North Coast Opportunities Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Welch. “No donation is too small, and we are grateful to everyone who has given any amount.”
With the Rocky fire only just fully contained on Friday and the Jerusalem fire getting closer to full containment, it's still too early to assess the full extent of damages.
However, those working on the fund said they are committed to moving forward rapidly to ensure that people can apply for and receive assistance quickly.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fire relief fund can go in person to any Mendo Lake Credit Union branch, or send a check made out to North Coast Opportunities to Mendo Lake Credit Union with “Rocky Fire” in the notes field.
There is also a PayPal account set up to accept online donations, which can be found on the front pages of both the North Coast Opportunities and Mendo Lake Credit Union Web sites.
The next important step is forming the management committee to manage and disburse funds.
This seven-person committee will comprise two representatives from North Coast Opportunities – including Welch – along with one each from Mendo Lake Credit Union and Lake County Department of Social Services, and three Lake County representatives from other organizations and the general community.
To fill out the three community seats, interested individuals are asked to fill out a short application by Monday, Aug. 24. Selected committee members will be informed that same week.
This application can be downloaded below, found on North Coast Opportunities’ Web site, www.ncoinc.org , or can be picked up from any Mendo Lake Credit Union branch.
Those affected by the fire can apply for assistance starting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and the committee will determine how to distribute the funds once the fire has been fully contained and all impacts can be assessed.
More details will be available about how to apply for the fund on both North Coast Opportunities and Mendo Lake Credit Union’s Web sites and Facebook accounts.
For more information on how to donate, how to apply for funds, or how to apply to serve on the management committee, contact North Coast Opportunities Executive Assistant Elizabeth Archer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-467-3210.