Reported by Jessica Lu
Edited by Julie Lu
On September 9th, AYLUS members Jessica Lu, Hsin Chen(Julie) Lu, and Yuan (Ann) Yin came together with guest members, Ashlyn Zhang, Lynette Zhang, and Sylvia Zhang to make appreciation cards for the firefighters who fought the Fairview Fire. On September 10th, AYLUS members Jessica Lu, Hsin Chen(Julie0 Lu, Trisha Leungsikul, and Adora Xiao went to visit 2 firefighter stations to bring them gifts.
In 2022, September has been one of the hottest months in California, and there were several days in the past 3 weeks where the temperature shot up to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Amidst the excessive heat, a wildfire sparked in Southern California on Monday, September 5 called the Fairview fire. Flames have been spreading rapidly since Monday and in just 3 days, it had burned more than 27,000 acres, killing two people, and only 5 percent of the blaze has been contained by Thursday. Due to bad air quality, several schools in the area informed families of the cancellation of school on Friday.
Because there was no school on Friday, and outdoor activities are strongly not recommended due to the poor air quality, the members were thinking what can we help for this disaster from home. They first thought about sorting some essential supplies / clothing to donate to people who were effected by the fire, but after some calls and waiting, the idea was given up due to the lack of response. But then, the members thought of the firefighters who are risking their lives to protect others and wanted to say do something to show their appreciation to them, and that’s how Murrieta AYLUS started the “Thank you Firefighters in September” Campaign. Although there isn’t anything the members can do to help with the fire, through this campaign, they hope to give back to their community and give their thanks. Throughout the month of September, the Murrieta AYLUS Branch will visit ever fire station in the Murrieta/Temecula area and give handmade cards and food items to show their appreciation and support for the firefighters.
The members gathered together on Friday to create the greeting cards (some members did it alone at home) for firefighters who are battling the deadly Fairview Fire that erupted on Monday. The members sat down together and patiently taught the little ones how to make the cards and what to write on the cards. Members laughed watching the little ones getting creative while painting watercolor on the cards and then moving on to coloring with crayons/colored pencils. Everyone started to settle down and then worked diligently on their cards. The members took a quick break in the kitchen, while also getting a snack and playing with the dog. After their break, everyone quickly returned to work and finished all their cards in no time! Along with the hand-made cards, the members also brought fruits, food items, sanitizing wipes, flowers, and bottled water to each station they visited.
Members visited Riverside County Fire Station #83 and #96 located in Murrieta. The firefighters were happy about the members’ visit and helped with moving the supplies. The members handed over the flowers to firefighters and expressed our appreciation for their efforts in protecting the community.
At station #96, the members met a lady who went there to ask for the fire update. She was touched by the members’ kindness & love to the firefighters and thanked us for taking actions to show our appreciation to the first responders.
Everyone was super excited for our new campaign, and we look forward to visiting more fire stations soon!
Volunteers:
Adora Xiao : 2.5 hrs (sourcing supplies 1.5 hr + fire stations tour 1 hr)
Trisha Leungsikul : 3 hrs ( sourcing supplies 2 hrs + fire stations tour 1 hr )
Hsin Chen(Julie) Lu : 6 hrs (sourcing supplies 2.5 hrs + fire stations tour 1 hr + cards 2.5 hrs)
Jessica Lu : 6 hrs (sourcing supplies 2.5 hrs + fire stations tour 1 hr + cards 2.5hrs)
Yuan (Ann) Yin : 1.5 hrs (cards)
Ashlyn Zheng : 2 hrs (cards)
Lynnete Zheng : 1.5 hrs (cards)
Sylvia Zheng : 1.5 hrs (cards)
