Erath County officials temporarily suspend fire donations, but new needs are expected soon.
Updated: Mar 21, 2022
Erath County is temporarily suspending its call for donations to victims of the Eastland Complex fire, according to a press release issued from emergency management coordinator Cyndi Smith.
“The reason we have asked people to hold their donations at this time is that there is limited space in the areas that are affected to hold all of the great donations that have been given,” Smith stated in the email. “Erath County emergency management is in contact and coordination with the affected counties of Brown, Comanche and Eastland and following their request.
“They are making sure measures are set up so that the people actually affected by this disaster are the ones helped and not just someone that wants free things, get what they need.”
The needs for firefighters and first responders have also been met.
Disaster victims are currently staying with family, friends or in shelters and don’t have anywhere to store items.
More donations to help with the recovery effort will be needed, perhaps as soon as this week.
Those items will include things like trash bags, rakes, shovels, gloves, masks and safety glasses.
There will also be a need for personal items like diapers, baby wipes, formula, coloring books and crayons, books and small toys; hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, new hair brushes and combs, soap, shampoo, conditioner and school supplies.
Officials are requesting that clothing not be donated because of the manpower it takes to sort and coordinate the items.
However, if you have clothing you would like to donate, consider having a garage sale and donating the money to fire victims.
Gift cards will also be accepted.
People are being asked to stay out of Eastland County as fire crews and first responders continue to work.
