Our Heart Goes Out to California!
Wildfires Devastate California
Everyone has heard by now that the fires in California have reached record size. Yosemite is closed, indefinitely, and Mendocino and Redding are evacuating. Thousands have been displaced. It's during these trying times that we are reminded where our hearts are and why.
California has so much beauty, vastness, diversity, and intensity. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires, the firefighters, the wildlife and the volunteers. We hope everyone continues to be safe and check in with their loved ones, volunteer and donate to the local firefighters!
Here are some ways to help:
Here are some organizations seeking help in their recovery efforts.
- The Salvation Army has deployed disaster response teams to help evacuees and first responders in Redding, California, where the Carr Fire has already destroyed hundreds of buildings and threatens thousands more. The organization is collecting monetary donations from the public, which it says will go directly toward relief efforts.
- GoFundMe has created a list of verified campaigns that are raising money for those impacted by the Carr Fire. Donors can send money to help families, residents, and firefighters.
- Facebook has launched a crisis response page for those affected by the fires in Northern California. Users can create public posts on the page to request, find or offer help. They also have the option to donate money directly to relief efforts such as GlobalGiving.
- The Shasta Regional Community Foundation is accepting donations for its Community Disaster Relief Fund. The money collected will be funneled to local nonprofits and disaster relief organizations.
- The American Red Cross is providing shelter and aid for fire victims in Northern California. Those who want to help the organization can make $10 donations to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by visiting its website, redcross.org.
- The Wildfire Firefighter Foundation is accepting donations to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families.
