Service station collects donations for wildfire victims and firefighters

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION) A group of locals are collecting gift cards for victims of Central Coast wildfires and firefighters at a Carmel-By-The-Sea service station.

Debbie Lemos, Lendi Haisley and their daughters have been getting the word out on social media about help they're offering during the wildfires.

The 76 service station on Carmel Rancho Boulevard offered free coffee, water and snacks to firefighters, and now they're making sure that fire survivors have what they need.

After the two Carmel locals heard about the fires so close to home, they decided to jump into action. They told KION they previously assisted people after the 2018 Camp Fire ripped through Paradise.

“Now that it hits home, we especially want to give back,” Lemos said.

People can bring gift cards to the service station that will go to wildfire 
survivors. Lemos is encouraging people to bring in gift cards for places like Costco or buy local.

“We’re encouraging all the local businesses–for people to get them from the 
local businesses, especially restaurants because of the impact of the 
coronavirus on the community,” Lemos said.

Haisley said there's a need for basic items like a toothbrush, toothpaste and pajamas. They’re only accepting donations for gift cards–not cash or clothes–but they're making sure families get what they need. They also started a Facebook group where they're fulfilling items from Amazon wishlists for those impacted by the wildfires. Haisley told KION they're helping 25 families already.

“Families helping families. We are all blessed in this community. We are a 
very tight knit community and we can all help,” Haisley said.

It’s a cause that’s close to their hearts.

“My son is down south on the Lake Fire and my husband has been on the 
fire–was just released yesterday,” Lemos said.

Haisley adopted a family impacted by the Camp fire.

“We supported them for a year trying to rebuild and get back on their feet,” Haisley said.

But they told KION it’s not about them, but about the people in need. Some have lost everything after the Carmel and River Fires tore through their 
neighborhoods.

“I know not everyone is in a position to give a lot, but these people lost everything, so even a little donation here and there to each of the families makes a huge difference,” Haisley said.

The group will give the gift cards to the Community Fund for Carmel 
Valley, which is part of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Advisory Board Member Tess Arthur said they will distribute the gift cards to those who have the most need. 

If you'd like to donate a gift card for wildfire victims, you can take it to the 76 Service Station at 544 Carmel Rancho Blvd. Lemos told KION they keep a log of the gift cards and then give them to the Community Fund. The service station will only accept donations, but does not give out any gift cards at the station. Only the Community Fund distributes these gift cards.

If you would like your donation to go to a firefighter who lost their home, Lemos recommends putting it in an envelope and labelling it 'firefighter.'

Lemos said they are aware of scammers, and they keep names of the families they help confidential.

To make monetary donations to the Community Fund for Carmel Valley, click here: https://www.cfmco.org/give-now/?fund=19506.