Morgan Hill nonprofit The Edward “Boss” Prado Foundation is accepting donations of clothing and other items to help northern California residents who have been impacted by wildfires that have forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Cecelia’s Closet and Food Pantry, which is run by the Prado Foundation, is the local collection site. The biggest needs for fire victims include hygiene products, blankets, flashlights and food, according to Prado Foundation co-founder Cecelia Ponzini. These items can be dropped off at Cecelia’s Closet, 35 Peebles Ave. Morgan Hill resident Misty Burke was preparing to truck a load of donated items up to the fire victims Thursday afternoon, but foundation co-founder Cecelia Ponzini said she will continue to collect items that can be delivered at a later date or donated back to local needs. And the aid effort is truly collaborative, Ponzini added, as local businesses, the Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club and Girl Scouts Troop 62224 are helping with the transportation of the donations. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in response to the Butte Fire and Valley Fire, which have been raging since last week in Lake, Calaveras and Amador counties. Thousands of structures—including hundreds of homes—have been destroyed by these fires, and thousands more are threatened. More than 20,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the ongoing wildfires.
