As I write this, it was exactly one week ago when I got a call saying parts of Hutchinson County were being evacuated due to a growing wildfire. I had written a long, drawn out account of last week but found it hard to put everything that I saw, learned and experienced into words.
Instead, I just want to say thank you.
First, thank you to all the first responders who worked tirelessly to put this fire out. It was no small feat and they deserve our upmost respect. Second, thank you to all the Red Cross volunteers who stepped up to help the victims of this fire in Fritch. So far, 133 Red Crossers have worked on this relief operation. Some are local, from right here in the Panhandle area. Others traveled great distances for one simple reason: to help.
One person I talked to said this was the most caring and compassionate Red Cross crew she had ever met. I agree, I can’t say enough about the volunteers on the ground.
Thank you to all the folks who have made financial gifts that have already and will continue to make our response possible. Thanks to your help, we’ve served more than 14,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 2,900 relief supplies and provided more than 400 health and mental health consultations. We are truly making a positive impact on the people and community.
Finally, thank you to the people of Fritch. You are the most kind, strong-spirited folks I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. While I have no idea what you’re going through, I’ve seen and talked to so many of you, and know you will be o.k. It will take time but it will get better. We’ll continue to do what we can to help support each and every one of you along the way.
To keep up with our ongoing relief effort in Fritch, follow us on Facebook and @RedCrossTXPan on Twitter.
