[1]FRESNO, Calif. (BP)–The number of meals provided by Southern Baptists to victims of Southern California wildfires has topped 120,000, according to disaster relief leaders.
California Southern Baptist Convention’s four kitchen units are preparing up to 25,000 meals per day, including one unit activated Monday, Oct. 29, which can provide 16,000 meals daily. CSBC also has a shower unit in use and one on standby.
Around 200 Southern Baptist volunteers have worked in Southern California in the aftermath of the two dozen wildfires that have burned more than 500,000 acres. Four fires still are not 100 percent contained, fire officials have said.
In addition to California Baptist volunteers, the Arizona, Nevada and Northwest Baptist conventions also have seen relief workers.
Don Hargis, the California convention’s disaster relief director, noted one of the greatest current needs -– along with an ongoing need for financial assistance -– is for chaplains. He said trained chaplains are needed to minister to both victims and emergency relief workers.
Trained Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers interested in serving should contact Renee McKinley at [email protected]. Others interested in volunteering can contact Cathy Glover in Hargis’ office at 559-229-9533, ext. 255 or e-mail [email protected].
[2]Donations for disaster relief may be made at www.csbc.com, or mail checks to CSBC at 678 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno CA 93710.
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Holly Smith is managing editor of The California Baptist newsjournal.