Illinois News Desk

Ukiah, CA – United Disaster Relief of Northern California (UDRNC) is excited to announce a generous matching donation of $20,000 for our upcoming fundraiser, “$40K in 40 Days Campaign.” This transformative gift, provided by Stand for Kindness, will double the impact of every donation made during the campaign.

UDRNC is a unique disaster resource center that provides immediate and long-term assistance to clients affected by both man-made and natural disasters, offering resources, referrals, and advocacy. Their mission is to guide clients through the recovery process at their own pace, with the belief that they can emerge as survivors.

Danilla Sands, Director of UDRNC, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are deeply thankful to Stand for Kindness for their incredible generosity. This matching grant will enable us to have an even greater positive influence on the lives of those we serve.”

The “$40K in 40 Days Campaign” is UDRNC’s Fall Fundraiser, aimed at securing funding for the winter months when winter storms can damage homes and leave people stranded on highways and in shelters. The fundraiser is entirely virtual, allowing anyone to contribute from the comfort of their own home or workplace by visiting UDRNC.org Donors can also contribute by sending a tax-deductible check to UDRNC at P.O. Box 662, Ukiah, California 95482. 

Stand for Kindness (SFK), based in Ukiah, California, has been assisting fire survivors since 2017 through generous donations and volunteerism. Jenni Karakasevic, one of the founders, felt compelled to support an organization that has had a significant impact on their community. She stated, “We’ve assisted UDRNC in the past, helping purchase Christmas gifts for new fire survivors and their families. We witness the meaningful work they do, and we want to be part of helping them secure their new facility. This is an opportunity for others to be part of something extraordinary.”

One such example of UDRNC’s impact is the story of Dorothy, a 93-year-old woman, and her husband, who found themselves homeless after losing their home in a wildfire in Calpella, California. They were stranded and desperate, seeking refuge in a hotel at $110 a night, depleting their savings. UDRNC Volunteers intervened, assisting them in managing their expenses and collaborating with partners to find affordable housing. They secured a cottage, applied for rental assistance for three months, and furnished their new home with furniture, clothing, household items, and food. Additionally, volunteers organized hot meals and transportation to medical appointments. Although her husband passed away a few months later, Dorothy remains eternally grateful for the support provided by UDRNC, including ongoing check-ins and assistance as part of her long-term recovery plan. She expressed, “They saved our lives. We came to them with nothing after losing our home. They helped us find resources and connect with others who had experienced similar hardships.”

Since its inception, UDRNC has assisted tens of thousands of individuals impacted by disasters including wildfires, power outages, snowstorms, earthquakes, house fires, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Director Sands emphasized, “This is an incredible opportunity to double the power of your generosity and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your $25.00 donation will effectively become $50.00, and $1,000 will double to $2,000.” 

To learn more about UDRNC or contribute to the fundraiser, please visit UDRNC.org or contact Danilla Sands at 707-489-3970.

About UDRNC:

UDRNC has been a pillar of support for tens of thousands of individuals since its establishment in 2017 during the Northern California Wildfires. In 2021, UDRNC provided assistance to over 3,000 clients in our local community, aiding them in their recovery from various challenges, including house fires, wildfires, power outages, snowstorms, and the Covid-19 pandemic. UDRNC remains unique as a disaster resource center, offering support to clients at every stage of their recovery journey. Our dedicated team advocates for funding, material donations, self-care, and mental wellness, all aimed at helping our clients rebuild, relocate, rent, and ultimately recover without exhausting their financial resources.

UDRNC operates year-round, responding to community needs in times of disaster, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We collaborate closely with esteemed partners in the field, such as the American Red Cross, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, North Coast Opportunities, and Catholic Charities. When necessary, we establish connections with temporary donation centers and deliver pallets of essential goods to assist communities affected by disasters. Today, our team comprises over 40 devoted volunteers who provide invaluable support during our clients’ most critical moments.

Media Contact
Company Name: United Disaster Relief of Northern California
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Address:1240 Airport Park Boulevard
City: Ukiah
State: California
Country: United States
Website: https://udrnc.org/