RUIDOSO, N.M. — J-Star Ministries, a nonprofit in East Texas known for helping those in need when disaster strikes, is asking for donations to help the victims of the Ruidoso, New Mexico wildfire.
In a Facebook post, founder Patrick Johnson said about 8,000 people have been evacuated to neighboring villages because of the fire that has torn through homes and other buildings in southern New Mexico. Johnson said he will be taking items to Church on the Move in Roswell, New Mexico as soon as possible.
According to the Associated Press, the fire caused the death of at least one person. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency that covers Ruidoso and neighboring tribal lands. She also deployed the National Guard troops to the area. The governor said more than 500 structures have been destroyed or damaged.
The items needed for the trip include:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Personal hygiene items
- Non-perishable food items
- New underwear for kids, men and women
- New clothes
- Towels
- Water
- Gatorade
- Sleeping bags
- Bandannas
- Work gloves
- Batteries (all sizes)
- Pet supplies and food
- Toys
People can drop off items in Jefferson at VeraBank, in Marshall at Patterson’s or SouthBound Nutrition or in Longview at Little Thai House or Real Estate Marketing. Johnson's CashApp is $424Sos or his Venmo is @Patrick-Johnson-472.
"They are in desperate need of ALL the help that they can get! Be Blessed," Johnson said.