Winter gardening and other horticulture topics will not be the only focus when the Manteca Garden Club members meet for their monthly meeting at the Manteca Public Library.
They will be gathering various items as well to help in Sierra High School's "Hope for Paradise" donation drive for the victims of the deadly and devastating wildfires in Butte County. Drop off location is the school's main office at 1700 Thomas Street.
"The Camp Fire has devastated Paradise and those poor folks have lost everything. They are camping in parking lots with virtually nothing but the shirt on their back. And if you are like me you are thinking what can I do to help," said club member Beverly Ensley in the email she sent to president Paula Elias who then forwarded it to club members.
"There is an opportunity being led by Sierra High School to bring up supplies that are needed. They found out what were some of the specific needs are and will be taking a truck up to Paradise on Wednesday, the 21st. Let’s help fill the truck," added Ensley.
She will be dropping off the collected items to Sierra High after the meeting. She also offered to take donations from those who would like to contribute but are unable to take the items to Sierra High. The high school is also accepting items from the community in general.

Below is the "needs list" guide provided by Sierra:
*NEW ITEMS. These include toiletries (sanitary pads, deodorant, etc.); diapers, baby items, toys and the like; blankets, sheets, linens, linens, luggage, duffle bags, undergarments; school supplies such as backpacks, paper, and pencils.
*GIFT CARDS. Various gift cards for restaurants, stores (Raley's, Food Maxx, Walmart, Target, among others); gas cards for Shell, Chevron, and other fuel stations; and pre-paid Visa cards.
*NEW ANIMAL SUPPLIES. Cat litter, dog/cat food, collars, leashes, and toys.
Not being accepted are food, clothes, appliances or furniture.
For additional information or for questions, send email to JRIO@USD.net.
The club will meet starting at noon today in the conference room of the Manteca Public Library on Center Street downtown.
The Garden Club is just one of several organizations and businesses collecting donations for the Camp Fire victims in Butte County.