Sandy & Doug Gilbert Fire Relief Fund

On Tuesday, September 8, Sandy and Doug Gilbert received notice that the Almeda fire, which started that morning in nearby Ashland, Oregon, was carving a path of destruction directly toward their home in Medford, Oregon. With barely enough time to pack a few personal items in a bag, they fled to safety, leaving nearly all of their possessions behind.

Their escape from the fire was harrowing, with fire surrounding the highway on both sides; they didn't even have time to fill up their gas tank before they fled. After arriving to their niece's apartment in north Medford, they soon had to evacuate from there as well because a new fire ignited nearby threatening that neighborhood. Departing again late that evening, they arrived safely to their daughter's house--some 150 miles to the North in Springfield, Oregon--around 2 a.m. However, the news from back home was utterly devastating. The fire tore directly through the community where they lived, and not a single home was left standing. All personal possessions, photos, priceless family mementos, their home (which they just recently purchased and renovated to carry them into retirement), and the car they had left behind ... were all lost. 

Sandy and Doug are humble, selfless people, and while they would never ask for assistance themselves, we know that they will need as much help as we can give to get them back on their feet during this devastating time. All funds donated will be used for new clothing, toiletries, and food to help them survive in the short-term, while in the long-term the funds will be used to help them find a new place to live, and replace their personal possessions to the extent possible. Even goods such as furniture, appliances, etc., would be useful if they're already located in the Southern Oregon area. 

We know that an insurance claim will take time to come as thousands in that area were left homeless because of the fire, so Sandy and Doug will need assistance from their family and friends during this unbelievably difficult time. 

This fundraiser has been set up by Sandy and Doug's kids, who love and care about them so much.