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An effort is underway to help victims of devastating wildfires in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.
Some two million acres of land have been burned resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of cattle and other livestock and the lives of six people who died trying to save them, as well as injuries to firefighters trying to fight the blazes.
For many ranchers, their entire farms burned, including their equipment, pastures, fences, animals, hay and even homes.
Farmers and other community members in the Western U.P. are working together to organize a convoy to bring hay and other supplies to those affected by the wildfires.
Seven trucks loaded with hay are scheduled to leave Friday morning for Oklahoma.
Organizers say local farmers have been very generous with the hay, but they are in need of other items–including milk replacer for calves who lost their mothers, barbed wire fence (please contact an organizer first to obtain specifications), and the supplies that go with it, as well as more trucks to join the convoy and money to help with fuel and lodging expenses for the drivers.
Tractor Supply in Houghton is serving as the drop off location for donations.
There is also a Go Fund Me page and a Facebook page called Yooper Convoy.
All items will have to be donated by 5pm Thursday as the convoy is set to leave the following morning.
If you are able to help, contact Marty DeHann (906-458-8933) or Jan Strieter (906-370-1345) for information and to make arrangements.
