Trailers full of supplies – including some animal-themed loads – continue to be taken to Calaveras County, as residents in the area donate to help victims of the Butte Fire.

Even as fire crews are gaining on the fire and some roads have reopened and evacuation orders lifted, the need for supplies is still there. Local resident Kay Martinelli was among those on hand outside the Tractor Supply Co. store on Wednesday evening, taking donations, primarily for the animal needs.

“We already sent one load up the hill,” Martinelli said about 5:30 p.m., just a half hour into a planned two-hour stay in the parking lot to accept donations.

Lori Mandarich, who had her trailer there and was also loading it up, said there has been a special account set up at Oakdale Feed and Seed.

“Jeff at the feed store set up the account on his computer, people can make monetary donations,” Mandarich explained. “Today I spent $400 that was donated.”

Most in-need items for the animal care are leg wraps, food, animal medical supplies, electrolytes and fly sprays.

Mandarich said donations she was taking up also included a variety of blankets and kennels.

As for how long the effort will continue?

“Until we don’t need to do it anymore,” Mandarich said.

Donated loads of animal supplies are going to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, for distribution as needed.

For more information, contact Oakdale Feed and Seed at 209-847-0307.