07/23/2026
Please take a look.
💚 Our Mission at Ely Community Response
The generosity we've seen over the past week has been incredible. Thank you.
Our mission is simple: connect expressed community needs related to this fire disaster (big and small) with people who can help. We believe the greatest impact comes from responding to real, identified needs—not assumptions about what might be helpful.
We've helped with everything from finding parts for medical equipment and arranging evacuation storage to connecting out of state firefighters with local mechanics after hours. We also provide evidence-based wildfire smoke and lung health information, distribute free N95 respirators and air purifiers, share reliable fire updates, and create opportunities for our community to support firefighters through thank-you cards and other meaningful gestures.
Many people have asked how to support the firefighters. From what we've learned through conversations with incident personnel and firefighters, they have experienced logistics teams coordinating their food, housing, transportation, and daily operations. When needs arise, they know how to ask for help. They cannot, from what we understand, accept free housing offers. The incredible firefighters are here to do a job they are well prepared for and good at.
Right now, we believe the greatest opportunity is to support the Ely community through sustainable and effective efforts.
Please consider:
• Shop locally or order from Ely businesses.
• Purchase donated items through local stores whenever possible.
• Eat at local restaurants.
• Book a future trip to Ely.
• Support local nonprofits.
• Help address long-term needs like food insecurity, older adults, and families who have suddenly lost income.
Our local economy has been deeply affected by cancellations, and many businesses and families are feeling that impact.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Morse Fall Lake Fire Department fundraiser. We organized it because we recognized an overwhelming public desire to help and wanted to channel that generosity into one coordinated effort, allowing firefighters to stay focused on their work. More details to come!
We also recognize that many organizations and fire departments deserve support, and we'll continue sharing verified opportunities as new needs emerge.
We are a small volunteer group. We don't have every answer, but we can help connect needs with resources quickly and efficiently.
Please continue filling out our needs and resource form. Whether you need help or want to help, that's how we can best serve our community. (thank you for being as specific as possible).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRwdLZerOm_06yL1LAuER3q4YxtAg9VU99YXoV5RGCuliXHQ/viewform
Together, let's continue directing this incredible generosity in ways that strengthen Ely—not just today, but for the months ahead. ❤️
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