NOBLE, Oklahoma -
Donations are flooding in from across the state to help Oklahomans who have lost their homes in wildfires. People like Noble resident Annette Brown are going above and beyond to help out.
Brown has been a saving grace during natural disasters for nearly 30 years. You might call her Oklahoma's version of Mother Teresa.
Oklahoma Wildfires: Complete Coverage
"[We've] been doing it for a long time," Brown said.
Brown is not affiliated with a church or charitable organization. It's just Brown, her husband Jim and some volunteers who make the difference after natural disasters.
"It's like playing Santa," said Brown with a smile. "It's so much fun."
It is behind the home of the lifelong Noble resident where all the magic takes place. Donations stacked on shelving units are housed in what Brown calls the "burn barn." Inside the barn are various items, including furniture, linens, new mattresses and appliances.
"We ran out of washers and dryers," explained Brown as she gave News 9 a tour of her barn. "We just got two more in."
Some of the items are donated. Much is provided out of the goodness of Brown's heart for a community she loves.
"We got lucky," said Brown as she held back tears. "We didn't lose anything, but it [was] only two miles away. We could have lost everything."
Seeing the fire victims on TV makes Brown emotional.
"It breaks your heart … even if you don't know the person," Brown said. "But, if you know them personally, it really bothers you."
Twenty-six years ago, a fire much the same ravaged Brown's community. That's when her charity began. It started small, but it has grown every year since.
"I'm thankful for that," said fire victim Pam Tiger. "There's good people out there."
Tiger lost her home in the recent Cleveland County fires. On Monday, Tiger was starting over with Brown's donations, a hug and a smile.
"That's [what is] good about Oklahomans," said Tiger. "They're always out there stepping in, willing to help you out no matter what."
Brown's charity, Maguire Community Foundation, Inc., serves four counties in Oklahoma.
To donate, visit the Browns at 9551 East Maguire Road in Noble. You may also call (405)-872-3853.
To donate water or Gatorade to firefighters, you may drop off donations at the News 9 studios this Tuesday or Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. News 9 is located at 7401 North Kelley Ave. in Oklahoma City.
Donations stacked on shelving units are housed in what Noble Resident Annette Brown calls the Burn Barn.
Seeing the fire victims on TV makes Brown emotional.
