By Shelley Bennett
It might be tough to see the “good stuff” in the midst of a smoke-filled sky raining chunks of ash and debris, but the good citizens of Susanville and Lassen County always find a way to shine through.
Currently we are the home of two evacuation sites, numerous displaced people, and even more fire personnel. With school starting next week and Covid cases on the rise, I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling a case of déjà vu.
But we make the best of it.
Last week, ASB teacher Rachel Stewart and I helped Lassen High Students organize activities, like Ping Pong, Board Games, Movie Night, and BINGO for evacuees. The students ran with it and organized themselves in groups with student leaders, found materials, and volunteered their time.
Teachers Rachel Vincent, Kayla Millar, Liz Ammon, Alex Whitney, Salome Shaw and ASB bookkeeper Carol Kramer also facilitated events and supported students. Graphics instructor Dawn Egan was instrumental in the planning process and helped students create marketing materials.
Our amazing community from far and wide donated snacks, drinks, and money to buy more to make our evacuees feel welcome, while Principal/Supt Morgan Nugent supplied the facilities and pizza.
On Saturday afternoon I walked into the library to see about 6 teenagers playing Legos with one lucky little boy. His parents looked on with smiles on their faces and noted that he was loving this attention. Later, students popped popcorn and handed out candy and drinks to several families and other evacuees as they watched movies in the Drama Room.
One woman commented that it was so nice to get away for a while and not think of what they might have lost.
There are many other needs in our community and this is where I need your help.
Juanita Williams of the Salvation Army let me know that both evacuation centers need individually packaged snacks and drinks, like Capri Suns, juice, iced tea, and sodas. The do not need water. These donations can be dropped off at the Lassen High School Student Center or Lassen College Gym.
She said that cash donations are always useful so they can buy what they need for food service. Please take monetary donations to their office in the Grocery Outlet parking lot. They also need volunteers to deliver food and pass out snacks at the centers. Here is a link where you can sign up.
Katie Green has been volunteering at Lassen College and has met many evacuees in the parking lot and surrounding fields. Many of these people have pets that aren’t allowed inside the shelters and need toys, animal beds, and waste bags.
She also sees a need for tents, pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. These items should be new or in excellent used condition. (Remember the shelters can only take new items). If you can donate pet supplies or camping equipment, you can contact her at [email protected] or find her on Facebook.
I know there are many more individuals and groups helping out and it makes my heart fill with pride when I see others stepping up. You get more out of your life when you give and making someone else’s day might make your own as well. Stay safe Lassen County!
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
