Here's how you can help Hawaii and the victims of its wildfires
At least 96 people have died and hundreds of people have lost their homes as a result of the wildfires in Hawaii. Here's how you can help those affected.
Late Sunday night (13 August), Maui County stated that two fires are yet to be completely contained in the state, including the blaze which completely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina.
In areas where the fire has since retreated, authorities have warned that residents may still face issues as a result of toxic byproducts which may have infiltrated the area, including in drinking water.
At least 2,200 buildings and other structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fires, and more than 2,170 acres have been burned. Thousands of people are in need of help.
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Research the disaster and areas affected
The blaze is already the deadliest wildfire in modern US history, and with close to $6 billion worth of damage caused, it's also likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii's history.
It's natural that people will want to help those in need, but unfortunately scammers know this all too well, and may try to take advantage of the situation.
To ensure you're only supporting legitimate causes, look for ways to donate through well-known organizations. In Hawaii itself, any charity that solicits donations in the state must be registered with the Department of the Attorney General, and can be verified here.
Monetary donations
Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in Hawaii as responders continue to get the blaze under control.
To help support the communities affected by the wildfires, the Hawaii Community Foundation is asking people to donate money with a focus on 'rapid response and recovery'. Donations can be made via PayPal here.
Donations can also be made to Maui United Way, which promises to provide immediate financial assistance to those in need by giving grants to nonprofits taking part in relief efforts, as well as households which have been affected.
For those forced to flee their homes and leave their belongings behind, the American Red Cross and Maui Food Bank are also providing disaster relief.
Donations of food and household items
As well as accepting money, the Maui Food Bank will accept certain foods, toiletries and household items from those looking to help victims of the Hawaii wildfires.
The Hawaii Salvation Army is asking for meal donations from restaurants or certified kitchens to help those on the island, though Victor Leonardi, divisional director of emergency services and safety for The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division, has stressed that monetary donations allow 'the delivery of the exact relief supplies a community needs'.
Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items, and blankets are being requested by the Maui Police Department and are to be collected at Maui’s War Memorial Complex.
Help for affected animals
Pets and animals on the island are also being heavily impacted as a result of the wildfires, with the Maui Humane Society having stated that its shelters were over capacity even before the fires hit.
As the fires continue to burn, the Humane Society is asking for volunteers who will be able to foster dogs from the state, as well as donations of pet food, pop-up kennels and litter for those which have been rescued.
Donations of supplies can be dropped off directly at the Maui Humane Society on the island, but those further afield can also support the society through its Amazon wishlist. Monetary donations can be made here.
If you would like to donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, which is supporting communities affected by the wildfires, click here for more information.
You can also donate to the American Red Cross, which helps provide food, medical supplies, shelter and water to those impacted.
Topics: Hawaii, US News, Environment
Emily Brown