Fire Devastation: Help the Gilbert Family Rebuild

On Sept. 8th, Natalie Gilbert, single mother of four,  was startled by a loud knock at her door. It was the Sheriff's dept. telling her to get her kids and get into the car - NOW! With temps reaching 105 degrees, along with 40 mph wind gusts, the mobile home in Talent, Oregon that Natalie shared with her children was quickly destroyed by the Alameda wildfire. All that was left was ash and devastation.  Natalie and her children escaped with the clothes on their backs and one bag of important papers.  They lost everything, and unfortunately their home was not insured at that time. 

Charlotte Rose, mom to Natalie and Grandma to the kids, lives minutes away, but was spared from the fire.  Natalie and family are currently staying with friends in Grants Pass and with Charlotte.  Charlotte is a retired teacher who used to work for the Sunnyvale School District.  I met Charlotte when I got hired at Cumberland Elementary in Sunnyvale in 2008.  We quickly became friends, and have stayed in touch since her retirement and move from Santa Cruz to Oregon, to be closer to her family.

When informed by Charlotte about her daughter's loss, I wanted to do something. So, here I am asking for donations to help Natalie and her children get back on their feet again.   The family is in need of  clothing, living essentials, and of course enough money to find a new place to live. Any amount is appreciated.  These are dark times, please help create some light for Natalie and her family.  Funds are needed now, so if you would like to donate, please do it ASAP.

Thank you for your generosity, and if so inclined, Please Share!
Karen Strouse
3rd Grade Teacher
Cumberland Elementary
Sunnyvale, CA