Steve and Penny Thorpe Recovery Fund

On September 8th, 2020 our parents lost their home in the Almeda fire in Southern Oregon. The fire quickly spread north from Ashland through Talent, Phoenix, and Medford, and has impacted thousands of families in these communities. Our parents were able to safely evacuate and take what few items they could fit in two small suitcases on short notice, but sadly lost everything else to the fire. Keepsakes and souvenirs collected over more than 40 years together, from their time living in China and other travels abroad, to mementos of their childhoods and heirlooms from their own parents and other relatives long since passed, all reduced to ashes in a matter of hours.

Our family has been humbled by the support and assistance that we’ve already received from friends far and wide. To everyone who has reached out and helped so far, thank you. Despite the devastating nature of this tragedy, we recognize that we are better positioned than some to recover from this. There are many other families who have suffered the same loss right now but may not have the same resources or network of support to fall back on. Even so, there’s no denying that our family could use some help at this time.

For those who would like to contribute, we are asking for donations in any amount in order to help cover immediate needs as we navigate next steps and our parents try to rebuild what they have lost. Whether you knew Steve and Penny Thorpe from their years working at universities from Ashland, to Stanford, Hawaii, and Austin, or have been friends of theirs through various church and social groups that they’ve been a part of, you know that they are two of the kindest and most generous people you’ll ever meet, and are also some of the least likely to reach out for help themselves. On behalf of our parents we thank you in advance for any amount you are able to contribute. The amount itself matters less than simply knowing you are willing to help.

We hope that you are all well and staying safe during this year like no other. As many have said before, the true strength of a community shines through in the shadow of tragedy, and the outpouring of support we see in the community for our own family and others at this time gives us reason for optimism.
 
With love and gratitude,

Joshua and Sarah Thorpe