From the Ground Up to help evacuees

CHICO >> Evacuees from the Dixie Fire will have the opportunity Saturday to receive help from a local nonprofit.

The event is being organized by From the Ground Up Farms based in Chico. Founded in 2013, the nonprofit’s mission is to help make healthy nutritious food, as well as education, more accessible.

With ongoing fires, Brandi Lowrey a photographer and volunteer as well as daughter of executive director Jenny Lowrey, said helping fire evacuees was critical.

“We’re repeating what we did last year where we helped survivors of the Camp Fire and the Bear Fire,” Lowrey said. “My family was affected by the Camp Fire and after that, my mom decided that she wanted to help. She took it upon herself to raise money, write grants and just figure out how she can get funding and help everyone out.”

Lowrey said since the nonprofit began helping people affected by fires, the group has received large amounts of support. On Wednesday, the North Valley Community Foundation announced it was awarding From the Ground Up Farms a $5,000 grant.

“North Valley Foundation has been a huge help to us. Since the Camp Fire, when we started working with them, they’ve helped us out a lot,” Lowrey said. “This year they contacted us and we’re like, ‘Hey, we have a grant, would you guys like to do the same thing you did last year?’ Of course my mom being the woman she is decided that’s what she wanted to do it again.”

Saturday’s event will be held in the former Kmart parking lot at 2155 Pillsbury Road, Chico, August 21. from 9 a.m. to noon. At the event, other organizations including the Tiny Pines Foundation, Caring Choices, and the Oroville Hope Center.

Resources available to those affected will include gift cards for basic needs like groceries and gas, as well as supplies like hygiene kits, diapers, socks, and baby wipes.

The event is all about helping evacuees get through another day during an incredibly difficult time, Lowrey explained, something that’s led to large amounts of gratitude and emotions from both sides.

“When we first did this, there was a lot of people that would just cry and tell us how amazing it was that we were here. From that, I just felt like this was the right thing to do — to be there for everyone” Lowrey said. “Just as important is being there to support everyone and letting them know we can be a shoulder. We’re here for them.”

Lowrey added that it’s difficult to see people evacuated from fires on a yearly basis, adding she feels only so much can be done. But she lamented being able to do help in any way, makes it a worthy cause to her.

“Unfortunately, it’s happening again and it’s absolutely heartbreaking because there’s nothing we can really do other than be there and hand things out,” Lowrey said. “But at the same time, it’s nice that we know what we need to do. We know where we need to point people and we’re ready for it.”

From the Ground Up Farms and other resources will be available to Dixie Fire evacuees Saturday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in the old Kmart parking at 2155 Pillsbury Road, Chico.

More information on the event can be found at From the Ground Up Farms facebook page or contacted by telephone at 513-7638.