From a friend who knows this lady-

Help if you can…

I know there are a lot of blegs out there right now for a number of good causes, but this one touches all of us that are shooters/sportsmen.  I’m doing a Cabela’s gift certificate, FWIW…

Friends –

I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to see my recent blog post regarding the fire in our city. This last week has been quite the emotional roller-coaster ride. I’ve witnessed family and friends be evacuated from their homes as we watched the forest nearby go up in flames. As of right now the fire is about 85% contained – Praise The Lord. The bad news is that over 500 homes were burned up in the fire. The town in the forest is practically gone. I’ve seen pictures and heard eye-witness reports from my husband since he personally battled the flames alongside fire fighters from all across the country. The sheriff said it looks like a nuclear bomb went off. I have been driving around the forest all week to get to town so I have yet to put eyes on the devastation – I’m still in a little bit of denial.

We have dear friends that had their home burned to nothing but ash, and when I say ash, I mean ash. The fire burned at 2,500 degrees which is enough to melt his “fire-proof” gun safe. All this to say… Troy and I have felt led to try and help Vance and his family. They have 7 kiddos and I know it is going to take awhile to rebuild their lives and get back to “normal.” While I’m sure they have insurance (I haven’t asked), I am hoping to provide them with a care package to help them out a bit during this difficult time.

Vance is a duck-hunter and elk bowhunter. He brings along his sons on his hunts each year. I know they would appreciate being able to get back in the woods this Aug / Sept! 

So…… I’m wondering if you have any extra gently used or new gear that you would be willing to donate. I know as bloggers we often get gear to review and sometimes it is duplicate of what we already have. Or maybe your company is able to pitch in with a small donation. Please think / pray about it and let me know if are able to help. I also have some people sending gift cards to cabellas and/or Bass Pro which is totally awesome.

Here is what we have so far:
*Vortex and another binocular company considering donating binos and a rifle scope (we are waiting on confirmation)
*Gift cards to Cabelas / Bass Pro
*Beef Jerky
*Kifaru Backpack
*Camping supplies

I also have contacted PSE and Hoyt to see if they are willing to donate equipment. We are REALLY hoping that one of these companies steps up to the plate.

Here is my blog post if you want more details:
http://www.fromthedraw.com/2013/06/black-forest-fire-opportunity-to-give.html

I’m planning on posting a follow-up post once we deliver the gear to Vance and his family. I’d love to give a shout-out to each company and person that donated something. (If you want to be anonymous that is cool too!)

Again – Thanks for considering helping us out. I totally understand if you are unable to at this time.

If nothing else, let them know we are thinking of them…