Now that all this money has been raised for Wildcats Rise Fire Recovery Fund, where will it all go?

According to the campus website for assistance one, who qualifies, may simply apply for assistance from the fund. There is up to 1,500 one may receive through the grant based on need.

Applying for the grant is simple, after signing in with your Chico State ID, you can access the form. One can also be downloaded and filled out by hand.

The Wildcat’s Rise Fire Relief Fund has fundraised over it’s $500,000 goal. For easy donating you can text WildcatsRise to 71777 or visit the fundraising website to donate as a specific group.

There are other resources being offered such as loans and scholarships for campus community members affected. If you have questions refer to the campus Camp Fire FAQ page. If your questions still aren’t answered reach out to the campus directly.

$1,500 just doesn’t go very far, but how can we as a community do more?

Fundraisers are great, and scholarships are too. But why not give free meals to those who are impacted, especially students. They should be able to receive three free meals at least twice a day on campus while sourcing the Wildcat pantry for weekend meal essentials.

Money is helpful but once bills and new rent is due, people will be left hungry. The meals we all buy on campus are already inflated so giving some away shouldn’t be a problem.

What about waiving tuition and fees for those affected by the Camp Fire. Give them their textbooks for free too. Allow them to spend grant money on rebuilding their life, or getting a new pair of boots, or support for their children. Let them worry about everything except the huge bill going to school places above student’s heads.

Chico state must do more than just hand out grants. It is really easy to give away fundraising money because it is someone else’s. But it is a different thing to make your own budget change and adapt to helping those in need.

But our own adaptation to kindness is what is needed. Chico State has to change its full priorities, give more money to things that are important to the overall campus and less money to photo op spots and PR missions.

We are Butte Strong and we will rise, no matter what.

Rachael Bayuk can be reached at [email protected] or @BayukRachael on Twitter.