While wildfires have become a tragic new norm in the Golden State, the current spate — dubbed the Camp Fire — is uniquely devastating. As of the last count, roughly 111,000 acres have been destroyed, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, destroying thousands of homes and, so far, killing 31 people. It’s the most destructive wildfire in California state history, and it’s not the only active fire in the state. Two others — Woolsey and Hill — have burned another 88,000 acres in the southern part of California.
If you want to get involved and help some of the families reeling from the loss of their homes, pets and belongings, here are a few places to start.
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund is one of the state’s oldest and most trusted nonprofits, which gives grants to those who’ve been displaced by the fires, and helps provide mental and emotional health assistance.
The Enloe Medical Center is a hospital in Chico, where many fire victims are being evacuated. Enloe is currently accepting donations.
Although Entertainment Industry Foundation might sound like a benefit to help celebrities, it’s actually created by celebrities to help firefighters and emergency workers.
The local affiliate of United Way, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, says they’re raising money specifically for low-income families displaced by the Woolsey and Hill fires.
The North Valley Community Foundation is raising money for Chico organizes providing shelter to evacuees, like churches and fairgrounds.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is accepting donations to help cope with the huge influx of escaped pets and evacuated animals.
As always, disaster relief workers request that those interested in helping send money instead of donating items, since sorting through donated clothing, supplies and food for what’s usable and what isn’t often takes more time than simply purchasing known needs.
