CAMINO —

A check for a few thousand dollars can help. It can help pay for a temporary place to stay. It can help rebuild a house. And in Camino this winter, there are plenty that need the help.

“There was nothing there…. nothing but ash,” said Sally Dykestra, recalling the first look she got of her home after the King Fire had finished with it.

But as checks were handed out, it became clear the community itself doesn’t need rebuilding and wasn’t weakened by the King Fire.  Not one bit. On the contrary.

“We’re all affected by the fire. We’re all scared to death by the fire,” said Mike Owen of Crystal Basin Cellars).

Owen helped to organize a spate of different fundraising efforts in Camino after the King wildfire tore through 97,727 acres this fall, and brought down 12 homes.

One of those belonged to Sally and Gerry Dykstra.

“Devi stating. Absolutely Devastating,” Gerry said.

Lost were pictures and gold medals from the couple’s ice skating career. Not to mention the home itself.

“We build the home ourselves. With our own two hands,” Sally said.

Monday the Dykstra’s were one of several burnt out by the King Fire to share in the fundraising- fundraising that started even as the fire was still smoldering.

“It was almost $54,000, $53,950 or something. All from the community,” Owen said.

A potent reminder from this foothill town, this Christmas; that you can burn a neighborhood to the ground, but good neighbors share a bond no fire can melt.