“Red Cross volunteers are phenomenal!” said Fritch resident Jerry Harrah. “I can’t believe all these people came here to help us.” 

Harrah, a Navy veteran, recalled how the Red Cross helped him as he returned home from Vietnam. “And here y’all are again, helping me out.” 

Harrah lost everything in the fire, including his home, nine dogs and eight pet ducks. “It (the fire) was moving a lot faster than I thought. It was three blocks away; I looked away for a moment, and then it was right on top of me.”

Harrah was happy to receive a text message from the Red Cross about financial assistance. He found a Multi-Agency Resource Center open in his community and came in to pick up additional supplies and resources.

 “These are my friends (pointing to the Red Cross volunteers) and the financial assistance means the world to me,” said Harrah. “That’s going to feed me for three or four weeks.”  He went on to explain how the Red Cross was replacing his walker and two sets of hearing aids lost in the fire. Harrah also took time to meet with a Disaster Mental Health professional on site. 

“What’s happened here, it’s mind boggling!  Mentally, I’m a wreck and the Red Cross people have kept me from going off the deep end.” He plans to recover in the community and was comforted by the knowledge the Red Cross would be present as long as there is a need. “I just can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to those folks who are helping us.”

As the community rallies to rebuild, the Red Cross remains a steadfast partner, ensuring that no one faces recovery alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by the wildfires, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCross.org.