February snowstorms: community steps up to help the Magalia Community Church preserve goods and services

By Allison Denofrio Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board Director Owner, Green Garden Art

The Magalia Community Church, located at the top of Old Skyway, has been a beacon of hope, refuge and comfort for thousands since the Camp Fire in 2018. Church members and volunteers provided temporary shelter and distributed furniture and miscellaneous home goods to hundreds of families that have rebuilt, and supplied food boxes to those in need. This generosity continued during an epic snow fall on the Ridge.

When the first snow at the end of February came flurrying down, the large white tent that sheltered the home goods was threatened with collapse. Snow was building up on the roof and sliding down. It was stacking up around the open tent and starting to tumble inside --putting the merchandise in jeopardy. Doreen Fogle, on the Board of Directors and Dennis Holmes, the Church Operations Manager put out the call. A post put on Facebook made its way to a top story on local TV station Action News Now.

As soon as the public got word, folks jumped into action. Greenz Trucking in Magalia was first on the scene to help plow the snow. The

Ridgeview Rangers came out to do whatever was asked of them. Eight members of the local Mennonite community helped shovel snow and make paths.

Non-profit Global Empowerment Mission deployed from its Chico office and staged a Facebook Live. This post brought out the troops.

Snow moving machines came from Arbuckle, Cottonwood and Chico, helping not only the church but the community. Many residents were barricaded in their homes surrounded by walls of snow. They couldn’t get out to get food or more wood to heat their homes. Soon Butte County declared an emergency ion this area. Butte County Community Emergency Response Team came out in force, and along with Butte County Sheriff staff helped shovel access paths and delivered food and wood to 42 families.

The Ridge has had its share of disasters in the past four and a half years and the Magalia Community Church has opened it arms and doors, ready to help. It has been inspirational to witness an in-kind repayment of good works to the little church on the hill.

The church still needs help. They recommend you just show up and ask what you can do or give them a call at 530-877-7963. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 165, Magalia, CA 95954.

The remodel of the standing stone building is almost ready for use. It is remarkable to have one building survive, representing over 100 years of Noble Orchards history, providing a window into the vibrant apple industry that once thrived here on the Paradise Ridge.