LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As a partner to the county of Lake and the Office of Emergency Services, North Coast Opportunities’ Volunteer Network has become the official volunteer coordinator to meet the volunteer needs of all shelters and operations supporting evacuees.

“The county of Lake and the Emergency Operations Center is grateful to NCO for taking a leadership role in organizing and supporting volunteers for the Valley Fire relief and recovery efforts,” said Marisa Chilafoe, Lake County Office of Emergency Services manager, who directs the Emergency Operations Center.

“This is a critically important role for the victims – to help them heal – and for the community, to give them a way to help. Thank you,” Chilafoe said.

Volunteers interested in helping with the Valley fire evacuees and associated activities must preregister with NCO Volunteer Network by going to www.ncoinc.org and selecting “Volunteer.”

Once preregistration is complete, which includes listing skills and resources that can be offered, the volunteer will be in the system and will receive regular email updates with opportunities as they arise.

“At this time, the need is for sheltering and donation management services. This includes food prep, janitorial and housekeeping assistance, playing with and entertaining children, and unloading, sorting and organizing donations,” said Rebecca Enberg, NCO Volunteer Network manager. “We expect, however, that volunteer needs will evolve and continue as rebuilding efforts get under way.”

Rebuilding efforts may need people who have or can operate heavy equipment, have and can offer tools, building supplies, materials, and other expertise.

Registering on the NCO Web site will guarantee that any and all interested volunteers will be made aware of opportunities in real time.

North Coast Opportunities is a nonprofit community action agency based in Ukiah and focused on serving Lake and Mendocino counties, as well as Del Norte, Humboldt, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.