Dec. 8, 2017 — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has set up a special fund for members of the campus community who were affected by the December 2017 fires.
Those who wish to help CSUCI students, faculty or staff who are displaced, lost homes or were otherwise affected by the fires can donate to the “Ekho Your Heart” Fire Relief Fund.
Named for CSUCI’s dolphin mascot, “Ekho,” the fire relief fund has been established to help provide temporary housing, clothing, bedding, cell phones and other basic necessities for those in the greatest need.
Since sunrise Tuesday, CSUCI staff have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of the campus community, according to President Erika D. Beck. She added that staff have made and received thousands of calls to faculty, staff and students to extend support and seek to fully understand the impact of this tragedy.
“I am incredibly proud of all of those members of our campus who have selflessly opened their homes, their hearts and their support to others in need despite their own personal losses and grief,” Beck said. “We know that we are not out of the woods yet, and that the situation will continue to change and that our collective need for help and healing is significant.”
Donations to CSUCI’s Ekho Your Heart can be made by visiting go.csuci.edu/heart.
Additionally, donations for non-perishable food items for CSUCI’s Dolphin Pantry can be made by visiting https://www.csuci.edu/basicneeds/food-security.htm.
“As we continue to navigate this unpredictable situation, we know there is one thing that we can predict,” Beck said. “We will be here to support one another. That is the bedrock of the CI community.”