John Sedar

dozens of gift cards to help purchase muchneeded necessities. Some locals donated several brand-new bicycles for kids, and two area residents brought an ice cream truck in to offer free treats. Says D’Agostini, “This took an incredible amount of work. The real heroes are the people of the entire county, and the volunteers from Sacramento and surrounding areas as well. The cooperation, love and kindness of everyone kept our efforts running very organically.”

“God provided,” she adds. “I look back with fondness on the experience because we could witness the strength of the human spirit. It was people coming together, evacuees chipping in themselves, all to help and serve.”

The mini metropolis was in action for three weeks and one day. “We had to wait for the evac orders to be lifted, and then we still kept the animals for an extra week,” D’Agostini says. Many of the evacuees were able to return home once the danger passed to try and regroup, while others who lost homes and property continue to struggle. According to Cal Fire, the devastation wrought by the Caldor fire, only the second wildfire to cross the Sierra, was substantial with 81 structures damaged and 1,003 structures destroyed.

The emotional stress and material losses were made just that tiny bit more bearable by the generosity of spirit and support from the D’Agostini family and the shared strength and support of area volunteers who donated their time and resources so selflessly. “This was not about us,” she insists. “It was this incredible community that came together to help.” Such compassion and concern for others in a harrowing time of need is truly a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity.

“We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome.”

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