When wildfires erupted in Reno County in early March, Lucas Soltow’s home was in the evacuation zone. He wanted information—and he saw a communications gap. Roads were closed, evacuation areas were changing, and he knew people would need information to feel reassured during a frightening time.

Soltow formed a Facebook group, which gave those in the area a common place to share information related to the fires. Many in the group were asking how they could help fire victims, and through a partnership with Reno County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), he spearheaded donations to a relief fund at Hutchinson Community Foundation.

Through Soltow’s promotional and collaborative efforts, the Disaster Recovery Fund generated nearly $16,000, not including the other ways people could give through the United Way of Reno County and 211.

“The outpouring of concern and interest in helping others was amazing. Now more people know about VOAD and might be inclined to donate to the organization’s fund in times of disaster,” said Soltow.