Santa Cruz County Distributes 200 Quilts To CZU Fire Survivors

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County planned to distribute nearly 200 quilts to survivors of the CZU August Lightning Complex fires Friday and Saturday.

The fires claimed more than 900 Santa Cruz County homes.

The quilts were crafted by the CZU Lightning Fire Quilts organization. Some volunteers have previously donated quilts to provide comfort to wildfire survivors elsewhere in the Golden State, according to the group's Facebook page. One volunteer even sent five quilts from Florida, along with a prayer that "they find just the right forever home," she said.

King-sized quilts can cost more than $300 in materials and take 30 hours, wrote one organizer.

The acts of kindness were not lost on CZU fire survivors, who expressed deep gratitude for the gifts.

"I went into get my family's quilts today and I was utterly blown away by the artistry and creativity and sheer beauty of those blankets," wrote one. "Thank you so very much to everyone who donated — it makes me cozy just knowing those creations will be gracing my families beds."

Others lauded the artistry and effort of the quilters and organizers.

"Such a great community we are part of," said another fire survivor.

Learn more about the CZU Lightning Fire Quilts organization here.