When the Camp Fire tore through Northern California in November 2018, it left thousands of families homeless. Though the fire was eventually contained, relief efforts continued. Distribution centers were set up on the fringes of the fire to provide supplies and assistance to those in need.
Thankfully, widespread support has been shown in response to the fire. Donations were trucked in from communities as well as from out of state. Food and clothing, as well as livestock feed, were hauled in by the truckload. But two men in particular went above and beyond to help out fire victims.
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Brothers Danny and Arek Zachara grew up on a farm in Poland. They emigrated to the United States and created a roofing business called MDD Exterior Inc., based in Chicago. When the brothers heard that the fire victims needed supplies, they loaded up an open-bed truck with lots of supplies including livestock feed, dog and cat food, and hay. Then, they began the 2,000-mile drive to Biggs, Calif.
Wheeler Ranch and Feed in Biggs has served as a distribution center. Volunteers have loaded supplies and transported them to the people and areas that need them.
During their trip, Danny and Arek encountered a variety of weather including rain, sleet, snow and wind. The inclement weather slowed them down but didn't stop them. The brothers were snowed in a few times and slept in their truck at truck stops to guard the cargo they were carrying.
Finally, they arrived at the feed store. Whereas most people would have rested a bit, the brothers spent three hours unloading all of the supplies. But their work didn't stop there. Their actions and dedication earned them high praise.
Farm owner Kari Wheeler commended the brothers for putting their lives on hold to deliver supplies to California. She said that the actions of the volunteers renewed her faith in humanity and proved that people are ultimately good.
Wheeler wasn't the only one to praise these brothers, though. Plenty of other people chimed in on social media.
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Though the Camp Fire was a huge tragedy, the way that people have pulled together in its wake has been truly inspiring.