How to Help Fire Victims

Wild fires are devastating

In a matter of minutes, a person's entire world can be turned upside down from the devastation of a fire. Be it a house fire or a wildfire taking out thousands of acres and homes at a stretch, the end result is that the victims need support and help rebuilding their lives. Here's what to donate to help rebuild people's lives.

Things You'll Need

• Compassion
• Desire to help
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Find a donation location. -Find out what social service facility or facilities are being used as a staging area for donated goods. Find out what times items can be dropped off, and if you live nearby find out if they need help sorting donations.

2. 

   Think practical - When you've lost EVERYTHING, you need everything. Start with basics such as personal hygiene products: hair brush, toothbrushes in adult and kid sizes. Shampoo in smaller containers (storage space may be a problem so go with smaller sizes immediately following a disaster.) Think about all the things in your bathroom and know that the victims have none of those essentials.

3. 

   Donate clothing - Again be practical, donate clothing appropriate for the season. Don't unload last year's summer clothing when the victims are facing a cold winter. Think immediate need.

4. 

   Donate non-perishable foods. - Canned goods, along with kitchen basics are very much welcome. Think ease of preparation when choosing which foods to donate. If you're not local to the area where the disaster has struck, send grocery store or restaurant gift cards. Be sure to send such items to reputable organizations so your help gets to the people who need it.

5. 

   Give money - When donating money to a large organization such as the Red Cross, be sure to designate where the money should go. You can donate online with the Red Cross or other disaster relief organizations.

6. 

   Give boxes. - Donation centers always are short of boxes to hold donated items to be given to families in need. Any that you can scrounge up are greatly appreciated.

7. 

   Consider upcoming holidays - If the holidays are just around the corner, small new toys for children would help to make the season a tiny bit brighter.

8. Walk through your home - Look at all the objects, practical and sentimental that make up your life. Contemplate what has been lost by fire victims; make your donation choices accordingly. You cannot bring back what they have lost, but you can aid in giving them hope and the desire to rebuild.

Tips & Warnings

• Put yourself in the shoes of those who lost everything and send thoughts of peace and hope to them.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Red Cross
• Disaster Center