OROVILLE -- For Oroville RV/Boat & Self Storage being in business is more
than being about the bottom-line. It's about being a good neighbor. That's why this storage company's management
team is reaching out to the victims of the Ophir Fire by opening up their facility as a drop-off point for donations, and
by offering two months of free storage to those in need.
"We just feel that doing business in a community also
means being involved in the community," said Connie Petersen, manager. "We are sorry for the loss these families
have suffered and want to do what we can to make things maybe a little more tolerable for them. We hope we can help relieve
some of their stress."
Victims of the fire, which broke out Tuesday morning on the east side of Highway 70 just
south of Ophir Road and was quickly driven by high winds, are residents of Palermo. More than 500 residents of this rural
community were evacuated from their homes. The fire has destroyed 21 homes as well as numerous outbuildings and vehicles.
Petersen said she and Oroville RV/Boat & Self Storage owners Mike Cunningham and John O'Dea, felt the best
way they could make a difference was to provide a clean and safe donation drop-off location and a secure storage facility
for the victims.
"We're really hoping that the community will join us in this effort and bring in useable
donations — canned and packaged food, household items, clothing, linens and toiletries; things these people could really
use," she
said. "We will not accept dirty, broken or damaged items." To receive donations or to arrange
for a storage space, fire victims may simply come into Oroville RV/Boat & Self Storage during business hours with proof
of address and, said Peterson, "if we have what they need, we'll give it to them."
"We are hoping
to have enough donations by this weekend to really start making a difference," she said.
Oroville RV/Boat &
Self Storage is located at 2750 S. Fifth Ave., right across the street from the SPCA. Regular business hours are 9 a.m.-6
p.m., seven days a week. Donations may be dropped off or picked up through the end of June.
For fire victims who work
and may not be able to get to the facility during those hours, Petersen said she will make after-hours appointments. Call
533-9900 for appointments or more information.
For Cash Donations
We have
decided to open this account on Behalf of Oroville Storage and The American Red Cross. The purpose of this non profit
account is to collect and distribute funds Specific to the Ophir Fire Victim's. We are authorized by the Red Cross
as a temporary Emergency Collection site. The account is referred to as "Ophir Fire Relief Fund" and can be
found on www.usbank.com under donations heading
