How to help Northern California fire victims

Update: Donating money instead of material goods is preferable as many organizations are oversaturated with donated items.

In only four days, the Butte County Camp Fire surpassed all other Golden State fires to become the most destructive fire in California history, burning 125,000 acres and obliterating 6,453 homes.

It’s also tied as the deadliest fire in state history, with more than 200 people still missing.

There are several ways to help Butte County fire victims. Whether financial or material donations—sending money is preferable since volunteers end up with too many donated items, according to the Center for International Disaster Information—many outfits are ready to take what you can give.

Remember to research a charity’s reputation before handing over money. Charity Navigator will help you filter the legit from the shady.

Here’s a list of organizations to which you can donate:

• Red Cross: Monetary donations can bae made to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Supports victims by helping to rebuild homes and providing financial assistance to those who need medical and mental treatment. Donate here.
• North Valley Community Foundation: Fund goes to support the needs of the evacuation centers who opened their doors to house fire victims who lost their homes or had to evacuate. Donate here.
• United Way of Northern California: United Way established a NorCal Disaster Relief Fund to help victims. To make a donation, text BUTTEFIRE to 91999.
• California Fire Foundation: Provides financial support to surviving families of fallen firefighters and firefighters who are battling at the front lines of the blaze. Donate here.
• Airbnb: The home-rental company started a program that asks users to open their homes to those hit hardest by the fire. Hosts in regions marked on the map will offer their homes for free until November 29, 2018. Offer is good for displaced residents and relief workers.
• North Valley Animal Disaster Group: Works jointly with public and private agencies and organizations in the area help in the safety and well-being of all domestic animals and farm animals, including wildlife, affected by a disaster. This includes assistance with emergency temporary shelter, evacuation, and medical care. Donate here.
• Volunteering: The Red Cross has a volunteer page for those who want to pitch in above and beyond donations.

Did we miss one? Let us know.