Lower Lake, CA – Immediately after the Clayton Fire suddenly changed course and swept through Lower Lake devastating the area, (less than a year after the third worst wildfire in our state’s history had caused devastation in South Lake County) the partners that collaborated to raise over $2.5 million for Valley Fire survivors, moved into action again to raise much-needed funds for Clayton Fire survivors.

The Lake County Fire Victims Fund, created by  Redwood Credit Union, the Press Democrat and Senator McGuire, has again stepped up to assist the residents, businesses, schools and children impacted by the Clayton Fire. More than $260,000 has been raised and over 90 percent has been allocated or distributed.

Over $130,000 in individual checks of up to $1,000 for residents who lost their homes has been distributed so far, $20,000 through LARCA (Lake Area Rotary) in support for downtown business recovery, and almost $20,000 in gift cards were donated to students, teachers and school staff who lost their homes to this devastating blaze so they could buy new clothes and school supplies.

And just like last year in Middletown, the Lake County Fire Victims Fund is excited to be hosting “Christmas in Lower Lake” on Sunday, Dec 4. Kicking off the holiday season with a visit from Santa Claus and a free pasta lunch with all of the fixings provided generously by Pasta King Art Ibleto, the event will also include raffle drawings, toys for the kids, music and Christmas fun for the whole family.

Christmas in Lower Lake will kick off at 11:30 am at the Brick Hall in downtown Lower Lake with a holiday celebration free to all Lower Lake residents. The Hall will be decked out with holiday cheer, Santa will have toys for children who lost their homes, and the Lake County Fire Victims Fund will have over $2,500 in gift certificates purchased from local Lower Lake and Clearlake businesses to raffle off.

“We’re coming together to help our Lake County neighbors who are still in need of assistance, especially as the holidays approach,” said Senator McGuire. “Lake County has gone through a lot over the last year and a half, but we’re coming back stronger than ever. We hope the whole town comes out and celebrates Christmas in Lower Lake on December 4,” Senator Mike McGuire said.

“All of us at Redwood Credit Union, along with our generous supporters, are committed to helping Lake County, so we’re honored to host this family fun event on December 4, and bring a little holiday cheer to the community,” said Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union. “People still stop me all the time and ask how they can help – this event is the perfect opportunity to support Lower Lake residents and businesses as they continue to recover and rebuild.”

“We have all been struck by the incredible stories of survival, perseverance and resilience this past year in Lake County,” said Steve Falk, Sonoma Media Investments CEO. “With the holidays quickly approaching, it is important to come together in support of our Lake County neighbors.”

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