Jezreel International and Victory Church are stepping up to help families displaced by the devastating California wildfires.

Jezreel International, a humanitarian aid organization based in Albany, has been providing disaster relief for nearly 30 years.

What You Need To Know

  • Jezreel International and Victory Church are sending tractor-trailers of supplies to California wildfire victims

  • Thousands of families have lost everything, and funding for shipments is urgently needed

  • Community members can donate new goods or volunteer their time

“We’re called the best-kept secret in the Capital District because we’ve been here in our 29th year of helping the poor and the needy around the world, as well as here at home,” said Barry Feinman, founder and executive director of Jezreel International.

This week, Jezreel is shipping two tractor-trailers filled with clothing, personal care items, food and other essentials to wildfire victims. Feinman said the focus is on providing basic necessities to families who have lost everything.

“Thousands of families lost everything,” Feinman said. “So what we’re doing now is we’re focusing on the very basics.”

The wildfires have destroyed homes, businesses and even churches that were set to receive aid shipments. Despite these challenges, Jezreel is working with new distribution points in California to ensure supplies reach those in need.

However, Feinman noted that transporting the goods across the country comes with significant costs.

“The biggest thing right now is funding to get these tractor trailers to California,” he said.

Community support is crucial for the efforts. Jezreel encourages donations of new items such as clothing, footwear and paper products, as well as financial contributions to cover shipping expenses. Volunteers are also welcome to assist with sorting and packing supplies at their Albany warehouse.

“We need all hands on deck,” Feinman said. “This is a God-ordained work, and we’re grateful to be able to help those who are in such dire need.”

Donations can be made at Jezreel International’s office at 10 Interstate Ave., Albany, or through their website at jzrl.org.