As the Carr Fire continues to destroy homes in Northern California, a local non-profit held a donation drive Saturday to assist families affected by the fire.
Project Bear Hugs hosted their donation drive in the parking lot of the Atlantis Casino. Since 2013, the organization has provided disaster relief to people across the country.
Founder Hannah Hoobyar says she is grateful for the outpouring of support from the Reno community each time a disaster like this happens.
"I think the fact that Reno can come together and we can actually help out another state is really amazing," Hoobyar says.
Project Bear Hugs collected everything from food and water, to blankets and pillows, and other basic necessities. Cheryl Pratt, who has family in Houston still reeling from Hurricane Harvey last year, says she was moved to help after seeing the destruction from the Carr Fire.
"The fire is devastating. It pulls at your heart and you want to be able to do something," Pratt says. "And you find organizations like this that are willing to help."
Hoobyar says with all the donations collected today, Project Bear Hugs will need more help storing the items, and moving them down to Redding next week. If you would like to help, contact Hoobyar at (775) 750-0537.
