Special Delivery

Bucketfuls of holiday bouquets arrived today at UC Santa Barbara’s MAC, bringing a splash of seasonal cheer to the facility’s current residents: evacuees of the Thomas Fire. The Red Cross is operating an emergency shelter at the MAC for people displaced by the disaster.

The unexpected donation of flowers is only the latest example of what the Red Cross is describing as an “outpouring” of generosity from people across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

“When you’re in a situation where you’ve had to leave your home, or have lost your home — especially around the holiday season — it’s important for people to see that they live in a community where those who haven’t been affected step up to help,” said Matthew Teeter, a spokesperson for American Red Cross. “I’ve been on many disaster sites this year and I’ve got to say this area has been one of the best in terms of coming together, donating items, donating money and donating time — we’ve had thousands of volunteers sign up at our local Red Cross. There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from people throughout the community.”