Behind the Badge
Pasadena Police Department’s Park Safety Specialist Michelle White took a road trip to Northern California on December 20th to donate blankets, jackets, backpacks, first aid essentials and hundreds of stuffed animals to victims who lost their homes in the devastating fires in Paradise.
White and team members from Pasadena Police Department’s Community Services unit pull together a “Pledge for Paradise” fundraiser in early December asking Southern California residents to help and donate clothing, toys, household necessities, warm clothing and blankets to victims living in shelters in Butte County.
In a rented motor home, White headed up the 5 Freeway on December 20th and personally delivered the donations to the 800 evacuees living at the Silver Dollar Fair grounds in Chico.
“The hardest part of all of this was seeing Paradise. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before,” White said. “But we also met people who are still in great spirits and families who are helping each other. My heart is full … coming up here was worth every dime spent.”
