The fire known as the “Sayre Fire” that tore through the northern San Fernando Valley’s foothills community of Sylmar (on the edge of the Angeles National Forest near Los Angeles) left total devastation in its wake in the Oakridge Mobile Home Park. Approximately 600 homes in the community were burned to the ground, most occupied by senior citizens. The fire began at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14th, 2008, and burned at least 6500 acres. Overnight the winds reached hurricane force at times and continued to gust over the ruins of the Oakridge Mobile Home Park, blowing a wall of fire through hundreds of manufactured homes and setting them ablaze so quickly that even firefighters had to drop their hoses and run.
It looked like a war zone: no trees, no buildings, only charred remains of what were once people’s homes. Oakridge Mobile Home Park, once considered a slice of paradise with swimming pools and tennis courts, was roamed by cadaver-sniffing dogs in search of anyone who didn't escape. Fortunately, NO lives were lost! But the devastation of Oakridge Mobile Home Park was declared a “National Disaster.”
“Together We Can Help”
The Mails Inn in Sylmar (business owners Debra Stocker & Radisha Brown) is organizing an event in conjunction with Oakridge Mobile Home Park Management entitled
“Welcome Back Home Oakridge Mobile Home Park Residents”
Photo By Getty Images
Through a reliable source we have learned that all of the residents who will be returning to the park should be able to do so by the end of June 2009.
But returning to what’s left of their homes will only provide shelter; without the necessary household items lost in the fire, life can still be very difficult.
Together we can help by donating cash, gift cards, or new unwrapped household items. Any and every household item is welcome: bedding, towels, kitchen utensils such as can openers, toaster ovens, cookware, pots/pans, flatware, plates, etc.—anything to help ease the loss of all they once had. Many Oakridge residents lost a lifetime of memories in the fire!
Our Goal
Our goal is to give each returning resident a laundry-size basket filled with assorted household items, and together we can make that happen. Please donate! Anything and everything WILL make a difference, no matter how small or how much. We will fill each basket to the brim with ALL of your donations and give one to every resident returning to the Oakridge Mobile Home Park.
When
Our sources say returning tenants will be back by the end of June - so yes, we only have 3 months! June 30th is our deadline so that, come mid-July, we can deliver on our promise on a day that will include a buffet dinner hosted by Oakridge Mobile Home Park in their newly built recreation room, a visit from our neighborhood council, sponsors, and firefighters!
Contact Info
The Mails Inn, 15981 Yarnell St., Sylmar, CA 91342, (818) 833-4349 Debra Stocker or Radisha Brown
Items, cash, or gift cards can be mailed or dropped off. If you need pick-up, please give us a call. No item or amount is too small. Together we can help the residents of Oakridge Mobile Home Park start to rebuild their lives.
Sponsors
The Mails Inn, All Access Magazine, Kathy Elberts (your Mary Kay/Avon Rep), Diane Cabrera CNB, Mary Kay
