Sometimes, hope and courage can be found in the most unlikely places.
A ground swell is taking place in a tire repair shop in Santa Clarita.
“We are a group of business owners local to the Santa Clarita area,” said Debs Nieves, Brigade Coordinator.
This is just one of the many groups of good samaritans trying to help during one of Southern California’s most historic and destructive disasters.
“I just needed to help somebody,” said Cynthia Pena, Brigade Co-Coordinator. “I just couldn’t stand there and see everybody being helpless,” said Pena.
In 2017, Nieves led over 150 volunteers in Puerto Rico and LA during the relief efforts surrounding Hurricane Maria.
“We are doing the same exact thing here in our own backyard,” said Nieves.
Brigade has received over 300 bags of clothing and toiletry donations and over 100 pallets of new items from local businesses to support those who have lost their homes. It has recruited over 100 volunteers and over 30 drivers.
“We’re willing and able to travel to them, to bring them the aid that they need,” said Nieves.
Quickly providing specific requests to these families makes this organization different from the rest.
Still, with these prevailing winds, time is of the essence to get these donations to families that are in need.
“She’s about to give birth, and she lost everything that was for her child,” said Pena, reflecting on an evacuee needing aid who was 9 months pregnant.
“That really touched me, and we got everything that she needed, as far as diapers, wipes, clothing, even a bassinet,” said Pena.
Social media, the heroic efforts of this brigade and local businesses have been instrumental in the successful connections with donors, volunteers and evacuees.
“If it wasn’t for the people that are here helping day in and day out, I wouldn’t be where I am to be able to bring the outreach to the people that need it,” said Nieves.
That is what The Santa Clarita Fire Brigade is bringing to the people: hope and courage.
For more information on how you can donate or volunteer, contact Debs Nieves, Brigade Coordinator, at (661) 531-7515.
