Food Bank of El Dorado County

(PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA) Sept 14, 2022 — On the evening of September 6, 2022, the Food Bank’s staff was notified of the Mosquito Fire, and quickly reacted. Cool Community Church, was the initial evacuation center in El Dorado County. The Food Bank reached out to Pastor Drew and immediately responded with a truckful of food and beverages including, fruits, vegetables, nonperishables and water for the evacuees. The Food Bank also provided gift/gas cards to the evacuees to help with other essential needs.

While at the church, with the direction of Sheriff John D’Agostini, the Food Bank headed up to Main Street in Georgetown to provide further assistance. Along the way, stopping at the library to check in and the IOOF Hall providing water and water to those in need. The Food Bank staff also stopped and talked to Pastor Rick of House of Prayer who was also getting ready to receive evacuees.

The County set up its first evacuation shelter at the Cameron Park Community Center, where the Food Bank staff immediately contacted Mr. Koolhof from the Salvation Army who was in charge of providing meals to the evacuees. Mr. Koolhof told the Food Bank what it needed to help feed the evacuees and the Food Bank arrived once again with a truck load of food and gift cards.

The following evening, local business owner Casey King, owner of Kings Meats in Diamond Springs donated a wonderful selection of meat and together with the team of Poor Reds BBQ treated the evacuees to a wonderful meal at the Cameron Park CSD. District IV Supervisor, Lori Parlin and District II Supervisor, George Turnboo came out to show their support along with members of the Concerned Citizens of Cameron Park to assist in feeding the evacuees. The Food Bank followed up the meal with gift cards for all evacuees.

On Sunday evening, the Food Bank staff visited Bruce Lacher at Green Valley Church. While getting updates from the Forestry Service we passed out gift/gas cards to evacuees. While at Green Valley Church we had an opportunity to meet with Major Randy and Captain Jim from the Salvation Army to discuss how we can collaborate between the Food Bank and Salvation Army to further assist our neighbors that were misplaced by the Mosquito Fire.

On Monday evening, the Food Bank staff contacted Mr. Koolhof again to inquire what the Food Bank could do to help. Gary provided a shopping list and the Food Bank went to work and provided breakfast items for the next day. Red Hawk Casino provided the evacuees with an excellent spaghetti dinner at the CSD. Amy Medford, Deputy Director of Emergency Disaster Services from Salvation Army came out to show support and ensure the evacuees were well taken care of.

Here are the Food Bank, we are proud of the community and their contributions to our neighbors that step up during an emergency. If you would like to get involved in helping during a disaster, please contact Kim at the Food Bank.

Together we will make a difference!