Editor's note: The following was given to the Journal by an anonymous volunteer working at the 49 Fire evacuation center.

We are among the most fortunate people in the world! We live in a community of loving, giving, helping individuals. I had the privilege of seeing first hand how our government, county and citizens pull together in a crisis.

At the Rock Creek Elementary School on Sunday night there was an outpouring of support for others that took away my breath. People came in to sign up to help with comments such as "I'll do anything I can", "Whatever", "Whatever is needed". They offered their homes, "I've got a spare room", "I can take a family", "I am a single woman, and I would prefer a woman, but I'll take whoever needs a place to stay." The list of names and phone numbers went on for notebook pages and pages. Their eager faces and compassionate eyes wanted desperately to help on an individual basis, one heart to another. They brought homemade food. They went out and emptied their vegetable gardens. They ravaged pantries, and brought supplies. They came laden with gifts of what they had and could think of what another would want. Bags and bags of clothes came through the door. There must be empty closets in Auburn, but they do not only belong to fire victims. We were unable to accept the huge bounty of personal treasures that were offered, but the open hearts and loving support were truly overwhelming. Many gave from their own need, "I've lost my job, but I have time and I want to help." "I have new business clothes that still have the tags on them, but I lost my job and cannot use them, maybe someone else can." The gifts of self go on and on, etc. and so on!

The heartbreak that walked through the door was palpable. Each evacuated family had a story that took all my control to maintain professionalism. Their nobility and bravery in the face of complete or uncertain loss was amazing. There were no hysterics, only hollow eyes, and devastating loss written on their pale faces. They held their heads high, but the bloodshot eyes said it all. Their concern for children, lost pets and others in the same position was utmost in their minds. Their praise for emergency personal and their heroism was on the tip of their tongue. I did not hear one word of criticism, only gratitude, for those who were putting themselves at risk to aid them. The stories of teenagers who were at home alone gave me surety for the future generation and their ability to think on their feet in the midst of flame and smoke. Almost all of those evacuated were more concerned for their lost pets, neighbors and friends than for themselves. They did not say, "What can you do for me", but "I am concerned for others."

The community of Auburn showed their true nature. The desire to help was wonderful. These were not isolated cases of people wanting to donate, but numbered in the hundreds. There were folks of all ages, young and old, wealthy and those who has needs of their own, teenagers, preteens, young families carrying toddlers and babies, who tried to give, being creative of others needs and how they could satisfy them. One young boy cleaned out his toy chest and bookshelf to share. The news media did a fantastic job in depicting the horror of the fire. They could not catch the spirit of the rest of the story.

Our Supervisors were there to see what resources they could contribute. One Supervisor helped move from the Evacuation Center to The Red Cross Shelter and worked until the perspiration dripped off his nose. They came on Monday to the Center to see if there were unmet needs that they could fill.

The County services were almost unbelievable. The Office of Emergency Services, Office of Human Services, Sheriff’s Department with Deputies and Chaplaincy, were among the many I noticed. Each was concerned for individuals. There was help on Monday for the evacuated and those with burned homes. County employees were available to help with obtaining lost driver's licenses, with food stamps, with long-term shelter, with county aid of all sorts. Many of these workers had bloodshot eyes that spoke of their true inner heartfelt concern for the hurting. As one who only worked with people, I had no first hand knowledge of Animal Control, but I heard of their wonderful work "under fire."

Now, to the business community. They offered free food delivered hot (or cold), vehicles to move supplies, personnel to help move and deliver supplies and all in the face of their own economic crunches. They opened their showcases, refrigerators, shelves, and brought bounty. (Please buy Auburn; they are there when they can aid.) They brought bags and bags of free useful, needed items, even truckloads.

The Red Cross gave wholeheartedly. They gathered volunteers from Placer and surrounding counties to man (or woman) the Centers. These compassionate and well trained folks were there 24 hours a day to ease others pain. They coordinated efforts to make a smooth and seemingly effortless place for the hurting and those with solutions. They set up cots with blankets and pillows, gave comfort kits containing toothbrushes, paste, combs, lotion, soap, wash clothes, etc., bought food and supplies. Their donations are down, but generosity prevailed.

The Church at the corner of Dairy and Auburn Ravine opened their doors, gave completely and wholeheartedly of their shelter, their kitchens, their resources and their abundant prayers. Church members helped as they could, adjusting lights, air conditioners as needed. They helped find supplies, dug out extension cords, and filled noticed needs. God is alive and well in Auburn!

Rock Creek Elementary School welcomed the community. The janitorial staff stayed for long hours, although school started Monday.

Thank you, Auburn for your openness, willingness to help, your intelligence, your compassion. Thank you for the privilege of seeing you at work, one person to another. Thank you for being such a great place to live. It's not just the gorgeous location, it's the people and you are the best of all!