[1]GLORIETA, N.M. (BP)–More than 100 people from across the country have donated $26,149.29 to defray the costs incurred when Glorieta, a LifeWay Conference Center, was turned into an evacuation center for victims of the Cerro Grande firestorm.
The contributions will be used to cover the $200,000 it cost to house evacuees from the May fire.
Approximately 1,000 residents of Los Alamos and surrounding areas spent one or more nights at the conference center beginning May 11 after being evacuated from their homes. In addition to free shelter and food, Glorieta employees and volunteers provided nightly worship services, counseling, recreation, a 24-hour laundry and crafts.
Of the 127 contributions, 100 came from New Mexico and 27 from out of state in response to coverage in Baptist Press and other media. Most came from individuals while three churches, three groups and one state convention sent gifts.
“We are grateful for these contributions and the support for Glorieta which they represent,” said Larry Haslam, director of Glorieta. “We have received many notes and expressions of gratitude from persons evacuated from their homes. In addition to meeting physical needs, it is affirming to learn of the spiritual impact made on non-Christians.”
Meanwhile, Glorieta also became the unexpected host to 250 youth participating in a United Methodist camp, June 12-16. The camp, originally scheduled for Sacramento Assembly near Cloudcroft, had to be moved when a massive fire in southern New Mexico damaged the assembly. Subsequent rainfall after the blaze caused flooding, rendering the camp unusable.
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