Hi Nancy - I wanted to get back to you as when I posted this last week we were literally preparing the truck for departure.

There is no denying the severity or impact of the California wild fires, but after speaking with our partner Feeding America regarding the number of displaced residents, it was determined that there was not currently a great need for our services. Most families affected or displaced are not staying in shelters, as they have been able to reside with family or friends.

In the event of a natural disaster, Tide Loads of Hope generally provides services where there is a mass need for clean clothing as a result of people being displaced into shelters. We thought for sure that this would be necessary for the California Wildfires, but after a lot of discussion with our partner Feeding America and the Fire Department it seems our service was not needed.

Tide Loads of Hope also provides services to those on the front lines following natural disasters. The firefighters and relief workers on the front lines of the California fires have already been supplied with laundry service from a federally contracted local vendor.

I want to send a thank you to the firefighters battling the California wildfires. Stay safe!