New program provides gift cards to victims of fires, natural disasters

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A new program is helping the victims of house fires begin the difficult process of getting back on their feet, and firefighters are the ones making it possible. It's a gift that's giving people a much needed jump start.

On Sunday, a Riverside house was gutted by a fast-moving fire, and the family lost everything in their home. But firefighters were able to leave the family with a little something: a gift card worth $100.

"I was able to hand them the card and they were extremely appreciative of the card," said Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Tony Perna.

It's part of a new program called Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE). Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino fire departments are among the 30 departments statewide participating in the effort.

"We see a lot of disasters, we see a lot of tragedy. Out of that tragedy really is the impulse for the SAVE program," said Lou Paulson with the California Fire Foundation.

The gift cards are provided to victims who sustain 25 percent or more damage to their property. It's available to victims of fire, flood and natural disasters.

"It just allows us to do what we've done in the past, just through a group effort or individuals pulling money and things out of their own pocket to help," said Riverside Fire Department Chief Michael Moore.

The money for the gift cards comes from donations made by firefighters to the California Fire Foundation.

SAVE organizers hope more donors and fire departments will enroll in the program.