Morning Star Steps Up to Support Santa Nella Community After Devastating Fire
At Morning Star, we pride ourselves on being more than just a company; we’re a part of the communities where we live and work. This commitment came to life in response to the devastating fire at the Santa Nella Mobile Home Park this past July. The fire left more than 20 mobile homes without power and displaced over 30 residents—our neighbors—who suddenly found themselves in urgent need of help.
Just days later, during a local Planning Commission Meeting, we learned about the extent of the fire’s impact. Displaced residents arrived at the meeting, seeking assistance to restore power and stability to their lives. That same day, Morning Star mobilized to provide immediate support.
Our affiliate, Hotel Mission de Oro, quickly stepped in, offering 16 rooms free of charge to shelter those affected by the fire. Over nearly 40 days, the hotel provided a safe and welcoming place for displaced families to stay while efforts to restore power were underway.
At the same time, The Morning Star Packing Company and Liberty Packing Company, two of our nearby factories, worked tirelessly to restore temporary power to the mobile homes. This effort involved sourcing a generator, securing necessary materials, and coordinating with contractors to ensure everything was done safely and efficiently. It was a true team effort: one factory managed logistics and covered the costs of the generator rental and parts, while another factory contracted an electrical company for the final installation. Meanwhile, The Morning Star Trucking Company kept the generator running, covering fuel expenses to ensure continuous power.
Although it took several weeks to complete the required release forms and gather all materials, the generator was successfully installed by mid-August, fully restoring power to the affected homes. These efforts didn’t just bring back electricity—they brought hope and stability to a community in need.
This is what being a good neighbor means to us at Morning Star. From providing shelter at Hotel Mission de Oro to restoring power through the dedication of our factories and trucking team, we are proud to support the communities surrounding our facilities. While the scars of the fire will take time to heal, our commitment to standing by our neighbors remains steadfast.
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