How you can help wildfire relief efforts in California - East Idaho News
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How you can help wildfire relief efforts in California

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The fires raging across California are the most destructing in the state’s history and are on track to become the deadliest, having claimed the lives of 31 people. Nonprofit organizations from around the country are sending help, but they need financial support to keep up their efforts. Here are some ways you can help.

The Idaho-Montana region of the American Red Cross has sent three volunteers from Idaho to aid displaced Californians and plan to send more. Monetary donations can be made through its website redcross.org, call 1-800-redcross or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

THE LATEST: California wildfires kill 31 people, with more devastation to come

Matt Ochsner, regional communications director for the American Red Cross in Idaho and Montana, told EastIdahoNews.com blood donations are always helpful during an emergency.

“If people want to go to our website and find a blood drive and schedule an appointment to give, that’s another way they can help out,” Ochsner said.

Here are a few other places you can make monetary donations.

California Fires

California Fire
CNN

The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund opened in 2003, since then the fund has gone towards supporting intermediate and long-term recovery efforts from major California wildfires.

The California Fire Foundation offers emergency short-term financial assistance to fire and natural disaster victims. People can donate to the foundation’s SAVE program, which gives victims $100 giftcards for immediate financial help.

Our furry friends also suffer immensely in natural disasters. Donations to the Humane Society of Ventura County go to helping displaced animals from the Hill and Woolsey Fires. The Humane Society of Ventura County is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. Its website notes 100 percent of donations directly benefit the animals under their care.

Numerous other organizations are accepting donations to help with disaster relief. Be sure to research these organizations before donating. Charity Navigator is a helpful resource to use before choosing which organization to give donations to.

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