TALENT, Ore. — The season of giving is highlighted for those families who are in need after losing their homes or businesses in the Almeda Fire. That's why 15-year-old Katelyn Robertson started her own project, calling it "Almeda Fire Adopt-a-Family."
Robertson says that she initially started the adopt-a-family to help victims with basic needs like getting clothes and toothbrushes. The project even helped people get back the tools they lost when their businesses burnt down.
Eventually Robertson's project evolved, becoming one for the holidays.
"It kind of has turned into a Christmas thing, and now we are getting Christmas gifts for families who have lost their home in the fires," Robertson told NewsWatch 12. "It was an expansion of it, I guess."
Robertson's family lost their own travel RV to the fire, and they say that they're blessed to have their home still standing. The family business — Rogue Valley Electric in Talent — came close to being destroyed as well. With some smoke damage, and one outside wall scorched, they've still been able to keep the business going.
The Robertson family says that they always give around the holidays, but this season is the first time they've been able to give gifts to hundreds of families with the support of the community.
