The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD), along with the California Fire Foundation, are doing their part to make things easier for people whose lives have been affected by residential fires.

LBFD, along with more than 30 other fire departments in Southern California, have partnered with the California Fire Foundation to supply $100 MasterCard gift cards to people affected by residential fires through a new program called Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE).

These gift cards are intended for people who have had a loss of about 25% due to fires. The cards are aimed to help these victims find shelter for the night, eat a warm meal or purchase some new clothes.

“The SAVE program essentially allows firefighters to put their arms around the shoulders of victims and help them get through one of the worst times in their lives,” said LBFD Chief Michael DuRee. “Often, these people are only left with the clothes on their backs, and this program is intended to provide short-term emergency financial assistance to victims that need our help.”

More than 45 families have already been helped statewide through SAVE, according to the California Fire Foundation.

The California Fire Foundation has set aside about $250K for SAVE for its first year, and hopes to expand the program not only financially but to all fire departments across the state.

The program is financed entirely through pricate and corporate donations made through the California Fire Foundation, with Chevron, Inc. acting as a major corporate donor.

The California Fire Foundation does, however, accept donations. Those interested in contributing to the fund can click here. Any donations should indicate that it is intended for SAVE.