Little girl from Lompoc helps raise money from cocoa stand to help Thomas Fire victims

With nothing more than a hot cocoa stand, a little girl from Lompoc helped raise $350 dollars during the holidays to help victims of the Thomas Fire.

Seven-year-old Grayson donated the money to the United Way Thomas Fire Fund created by a joint effort between United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County to help support those impacted by the fire.

Although Grayson lives dozens of miles away from the communities most heavily impacted by the fire, the smoke and ash from the blaze traveled up the coast and filled her hometown of Lompoc. Grayson’s school ultimately closed for winter break earlier than expected due to the poor air quality.

“We were driving and out of the blue, she told her grandma and I that she wanted to do a hot cocoa stand for the Thomas Fire,” Grayson’s mother Meredith said.

Soon after, the 7-year-old and her little brother Rex set up her stand of hot cocoa, an effort her mother applauded.

“We’re super proud of her for thinking of others and being so eager to help!” Grayson’s mother said.

To date, the United Way Thomas Fire fund has raised more than $2.25 million, of which, 100 percent of the donations are going to help support the communities affected by the largest fire in California history.

If you are interested in donating:

Online at www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org By texting UWVC to 41444 By phone or mail: call 805-485-6288 or checks may be sent to the United Way office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003. Please write ” Thomas Fire Fund ” in the memo.