So far this summer, 16 wildfires have blazed across the state of California and firefighters from all over the country have flocked to the Golden State to lend a hand in containing them.
These brave men and women work around the clock under terrifying and excruciating conditions. The Carr fire, near Redding, CA, covers over 110 acres – more than the city of Denver, Colorado – and it’s still growing. Yesterday, it was only about 25 percent contained when one family decided to do their small part to help out the firefighters working to save their state.
Instagram
Like all of her friends and neighbors, Chelsey Lutz of Anderson, California, was keeping a close eye on the devastation happening in the hills near her house. She’d seen the reports about fatalities and homes destroyed, and felt a surge of appreciation for the first responders who were risking their lives to keep families like hers safe from harm.
Instagram
One morning, Chelsey decided it was time to show that appreciation and gratitude in the only way she knew how: by providing a homemade meal to the hungry firefighters battling the fire.
Facebook
Chelsey teamed up with her mother and 2-year-old daughter, Gracie, to feed the firefighters a nice homemade breakfast. Chelsey’s mom spent the morning whipping up dozens of delicious breakfast burritos and wrapping them in foil, and then Chelsey and Gracie loaded them into a box.
Chelsey and Gracie brought the breakfast burritos to the local fairgrounds, where the overnight firefighting crew was just coming off their shift. The firefighters were all physically and mentally exhausted, yet the sight of a sweet little girl showing her appreciation in this way seems to cut through the fog and make them smile.
Facebook
Many of these heroes have children of their own at home, and you can see those parental instincts in the tender manner with which they take the gifts from the little girl.
In her cute little rain boots, little Gracie was the breath of fresh air that everyone sorely needed.
Facebook
After Chelsey uploaded the video of Gracie feeding the hungry heroes, the clip quickly went viral. Everyone who saw it was moved by this gracious gesture from one of northern California’s smallest citizens.
Facebook
Our thoughts are with the brave firefighters in California as they continue to battle these historic fires. Let’s all follow Gracie’s example and do whatever we can to pitch in and show our gratitude for the men and women who keep us safe each day.
Watch Gracie’s adorable burrito delivery in the video below, and be sure to share this sweet act of kindness with everyone you know.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.