On Tuesday, the Bastrop County fire had been 70% contained and limited re-entry was being allowed by officials. The fire, which began September 4, has consumed 34,068 acres and destroyed 1,554 homes at last count.

The American Red Cross and other organizations have received tremendous amounts of food, clothes, and other items for those who were evacuated from the area.

They’ve received so much that they’re asking people to instead donate money, reported local resident Ralph Wakefield. They’re quite thankful and the response has been overwhelming.

Wakefield has distributed jars around town to collect funds for the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance. The jars are located at Arnosky Flower Farm (blue barn at 165 & RR 2325), Bowling Club Cafe, Blanco Vet Clinic, CJ’s Exxon, The Deutsch Apple, Express Care, Redbud Cafe, and Super S Food Store.

“In a couple of weeks, as people start to get situated, there will be a need for more,” Wakefield explained. As people find out the state of their homes and property, there will be calls for plates, silverware, and other household items.

The BCMA is accepting donations at its mailing address at PO Box 876, Bastrop, TX 78602. Find out more information at bcmatx.org.

To contact Ralph Wakefield, call 830-833-6478.