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How strangers from across the nation helped Camp Fire teachers get ready for school

As teachers impacted by the Camp Fire prepare to start teaching again next week, donations from across the country are pouring in to help them rebuild what they lost in Paradise.

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As teachers impacted by the Camp Fire prepare to start teaching again next week, donations from across the country are pouring in to help them rebuild what they lost in Paradise.

On Saturday, Butte County educators went to Chico's Hooker Oak Elementary to pick up their new school supplies.

“It helps me to feel like I’m not coming into it totally empty handed,” said science teacher, Charlene Brooks. “I’ve got something to offer them.”

Brooks’ classroom at Children’s Community School in Paradise was one of the dozens that was burned to the ground.

Two weeks ago, teachers Monica Brown and Amy Niess posted a flyer on Facebook to collect items for the Camp Fire teachers.


“From pre-school all the way to high school. We wanted to create a way to rebuild their classrooms,” said Brown.

The post went viral, Brown explains. “We've had packages from New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Maine, Italy, England, Bermuda.”

“We initially thought we'd be helping maybe like 10 teachers,” she added.

According to Brown, more than 100 teachers stopped by to pick up supplies.

Brooks said that while she might no longer have a classroom, she's not letting the current circumstances stop her from teaching.

“If we have to dissect things in the parking lot, then that's what we're going to do. We'll do earth worms,” Brooks added. “My 8th graders are going to go to high school having dissected something – it'll be fun.”

As eager as Brooks and others are to teach again, it’s something else they’re most looking forward to when they reunite with students.

“Give them hugs, and start with art and journaling,” said teacher Melinda Bellone. “Kind of just find our way together because we all feel kind of lost and sad.”

Bellone lost her home in the Camp Fire. She told ABC10 being around her students will be instrumental in the healing and recovery process.

“I think the kids will be helpful for the adults. They will be our anchors and our grounding force. We're all just looking for a sense of normalcy,” Bellone explained.


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