At the Lake: Nonprofit status confirmed for Angora fire fund

A fund established for people affected by the Angora fire is up and running while the process to meet longer term financial needs will begin Monday.

Board members of the Lake Tahoe Angora Fire Fund said an application for financial relief will be available Monday at www.helptahoe.com.

The fund recently achieved 501(c)3 nonprofit status and will absorb the Locals for Locals account that was immediately set up to help fire victims with money for food, shelter and other necessities.

Already more than $80,000 is available for immediate needs while hundreds of thousands of dollars has been pledged but not received, officials said.

Board members Mark Lucksinger and Guy Lease anticipate long-term needs such as replacing computers, helping renters who had no insurance or providing tools for those in vocational trades.

Lucksinger, president of the board, said the fund will be available to anyone affected by the fire, including businesses that may have experienced a diminished customer base.

"That term can be broader than a house that burned to the ground," Lucksinger said.

Completed applications, which requires proof of residency, can be dropped off at the California Visitors Office across the street from the Tahoe Daily Tribune where the Chamber of Commerce used to reside.

Lease and Lucksinger appreciated community members opening their purse strings to help those affected by the fire and assured the donations will be given to those who need them.

"It will all go out. Eventually," Lease said.

Donations can be made to the Lake Tahoe Angora Fire Fund at U.S. Bank, located at 2850 Lake Tahoe Blvd.