For almost all tree nut producers in the West, harvest is now a thing of the past and chances are good you have completed your first round of orchard sanitation and are preparing to or are already addressing tree pruning activities and possibly hedging on some trees as weather permits. And while there are still other concerns and projects that require planning and attention, it’s also the beginning of the holiday season and a time for personal reflection and perhaps some goal settings and, Heaven forbid, crafting of a few personal resolutions for the new year ahead.

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and for the most part, with a successful nut season behind, most of you have reflected on the many virtues of the ending season as you look ahead to 2019 and the challenges and the successes it may offer.

Also, recently past, Black Friday came and went (thank goodness), and #Giving Tuesday has come and gone, that first Tuesday after Thanksgiving-movement that promotes giving to worthy causes and special needs. With the growing popularity of the movement, chances are good you may have participated in one way or another, and regardless whether it was by way of a monetary gift, donation of time, or just general support of a particular cause, you deserve a pat on the back for your participation.

For tree nut producers in California, especially in the upper Sacramento Valley, #Giving Tuesday probably caused you to focus on the incredible needs of your neighbors and even fellow nut producers who suffered greatly from the devastating Camp Fire, and even the Carr Fire in July and August.

But regardless how much you and others may have given toward relief for those who lost so much (or everything) to one or more of these deadly fires, each day we are discovering more help is needed for so many others.

Many fire victims who lost their homes and businesses are still living in hotel/motel rooms or with relatives, or even in tents and standing in temporary food lines each day. For some, they may yet be unaware of the extent of damage and loss to their property whether it be their home, farm, orchard or livestock. For fire victims, the thought of the joy of the holiday season is no doubt distant and clouded at best, and what may otherwise may have been a warm and cozy time gathered with family or friends is instead the cold reality that Christmas may find them homeless and perhaps alone in their sorrows.

It is for this reason that the editors of the Tree Nut Newsletter are asking our dedicated subscribers to consider an extra step in their annual holiday giving plans. While so many of you have given generously toward fire victim relief, we are asking that if it is possible, please consider offering a little extra help this holiday season, large or small.

There are many relief efforts underway, and each of them are needed for those who are suffering through this human tragedy. Please review a list of some of them below or consider giving to one of your own choosing. Please help the holiday season be a little brighter for those who must bear the burden of these tragic fires, and thank you in advance. May your holidays be bright and wonderful. #Giving Christmas

Donate to Wildfire Relief

Below is information on how to help, a list compiled by the Almond Alliance:

The American Red Cross is accepting online donations to help people affected by the California wildfires (select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu). You can also donate by calling 1-800-733-2767 or texting “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999.

Organizations accepting donations for Camp Wildfire relief:

The Chico-based nonprofit North Valley Community Foundation is accepting online donations to an Evacuation Relief Fund that will support organizations that are sheltering Camp Fire evacuees.

The Butte County Office of Education has set up a Schools Relief Fund, administered online by the North Valley Community Foundation, to directly benefit Butte County schools. Donors can either specify a district or use for their money (such as textbooks or clothes) or make an open donation.

The county’s Camp Fire Emergency Response Program is accepting donated items at 2850 Feather River Blvd. in Oroville. A list of needed items is available here from the Oroville Hope Center.

Tri Counties Bank has started the Camp Fire Fund 2018 account with an initial deposit of $25,000 to benefit victims of the fires ravaging communities in the Paradise, California area. Those who would like to make monetary donations to the Camp Fire Fund 2018 can at any Tri Counties Bank Branch or they can make a donation online.

All funds collected will be distributed to people in need through local non-profit emergency relief agencies directly serving fire victims with immediate needs. These non-profit organizations have been vetted as trusted and well-managed direct emergency service providers and include:

United Way of Northern California
The Salvation Army
Northern Valley Catholic Social Services