How to Help Those Affected by the California Wildfires

Donate Money. Donate Time. Donate Goods.

The California wildfires have burned over 70,000 acres of land and caused nearly 30,000 people to flee their homes. Although there have been few fatalities, these families have lost a lot. Some have no home to return to. Here are some ways you can help.

Donate Money

If you want to donate through the American Red Cross, you’ll need to write “Western Wildfire Relief Fund” as your check subject line and mail it to: 1663 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103. However, if you donate online, your donation will be made to the relief fund in your area, rather than the California wildfires.

You can also donate to one of these local organizations:

• Mendocino Coast Children’s Relief Fund helps children and families in Lake County.
• Redwood Empire Food Bank gives two healthy meals to wildfire victims for every $1 donated.
• Social Advocates for Youth provides housing, counseling, and employment services to youth and families throughout Sonoma County.
• Redwood Credit Union puts 100% of donations toward aiding those impacted by the Lake County fires.
• San Francisco Firefighters buy toys for children affected by the California wildfires.

Donate Time

Nonprofits like the Lions Club of Middletown are looking for people to help organize donated goods.

Here are some other organizations looking for help:

• North Coast Opportunities is looking for volunteer fire help
• Camp Love at Bu-Shay Campgrounds – wants volunteers to help out in the kitchen and sort goods for the 130+ campgrounds
• Seventh Day Adventist Church, Lakeport volunteers are needed to sort, collect, and distribute donations
• Jenny Craig, Napa would like volunteers to help sort, collect, and distribute donations
• Moose Lodge, Clearlake Oaks is looking for volunteers to do a little of everything from helping in the kitchen to helping out with donated items

For other organizations looking for volunteers take a look at open opportunities on the LoveLakeCounty.org

Donate Goods

Here are some donating etiquette tips to keep in mind when you’re deciding what to give:

• Donate items in new or like-new condition, not worn-out or damaged items.
• Make sure to only donate requested items. Donating unneeded items only slows down the process of getting donations to victims.
• If you’re donating clothes, organize them by category (shirts, pants, shoes) and then by gender and size.

Looking for a donation center? Here are a few to get you started:

• Lake County Office of Education Healthy Start – Lakeport
• Redwood Covenant Church – Santa Rosa
• Life Community Church – Roseville
• DeVry University – Fremont
• Santa Rosa FFA – Santa Rosa
• St. Mary’s Church – Ukiah
• DeVry University – Oakland
• Crossing the Jordan – Santa Rosa
• Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino – Nice
• Growth and Learning Opportunities – San Francisco
• Sonoma County Humane Society – Santa Rosa
• Bon Marche Thrifty Store – Sonoma
• Andy’s Produce – Sebastopol
• Auto Saver Plus Insurance Agency – Windsor/Santa Rosa
• The Roost Napa – Napa
• Sandbox – Sonoma
• Skikos Trucking – Santa Rosa
• JD Redhouse – Willits
• Padis Romance St. Helena – St. Helena
• Grape Leaf Inn – Healdsburg

There are many more donation centers set up throughout Napa and Lake Counties. Check out this list to find one nearby that you can donate to: http://www.lovelakecounty.org/resources/