Dateline: March 23, 2006

Assistance coming in for wildfire victims

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The Texas motto of “friendship” has come to life following last week’s wildfires as numerous organizations have mobilized to assist those affected by the disaster.

Starting close to home, the Donley County State Bank is accepting donations on behalf of Amarillo National Bank to help defray the living expenses of three Howardwick firemen who were badly injured during the I-40 fire.

Also to help those injured firemen, the Silverton Fire Department is planning an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, March 25, at the showbarn in Silverton. The breakfast will be served from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and the cost is $5 per person with the proceeds going to the Howardwick firemen.

Community Bank in Clarendon is also seeking help for the Howardwick Fire Department by establishing a fund for donations to replace the fire truck that was lost in that same accident.

This Thursday, March 23, the Texas Cooperative Extension, along with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. in the Clarendon Church of Christ Family Life Center to help producers mitigate losses encountered due to the recent wildfires in the Panhandle and develop strategies for the future.

The Amarillo Area Foundation has established an emergency relief fund to assist individuals and families following the fires. The “Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund” plans to work directly with organizations that are providing services for basic necessities. The fund was established with an initial $50,000 donation from the Foundation. The fund also provides a direct way for others to assist through gifts to the fund.

All donations are tax deductible and may be sent to the Amarillo Area Foundation, c/o Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, 801 S. Fillmore, Suite 700, Amarillo, Texas 79101. Organizations requesting funds should send a letter with the amount and purpose to the attention of Angela Lust at the Amarillo Area Foundation. 

In addition, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association have established the “Cattlemen’s Disaster Relief Fund” at the Amarillo Area Foundation to assist cattlemen with disaster relief. Contributions to this fund may also be made to the Amarillo Area Foundation, c/o Cattlemen’s Disaster Relief Fund. For information, contact Jim Allison at 806-376-4521.

The Texas Farm Bureau is asking members in other parts of the state to step forward. The Bureau is accepting donations of hay, fence posts and wire, personal items, and monetary contributions for families affected by wildfires. Contact the Gray-Roberts county office at 665-8451 to help.

Donations can also be made to the Red Cross by calling 800-297-2270.

Readers and advertisers of The Clarendon Enterprise also did their part this week by participating in the full-page ad on the last page of this edition. Proceeds from that advertisement will be divided among the three local fire departments.