Disaster Relief Resources for West Coast Wildfires
Dozens of major fires are burning across the Western United States. The current fires have burned more than 4.6 million acres in 10 states. Our thoughts are with those impacted and those volunteering to stop the fires. If you are interested in supporting the relief efforts, our Philanthropy Team has compiled information regarding the best ways to help and donate.
To ensure that your charitable dollars will be used wisely and effectively, donations should be made to well-established, qualified charities with a proven track record. Too often, fraudulent organizations that seem like legitimate charities are set up to accept donations from well-meaning people in times of emergencies and disasters.
Monetary donations are the most efficient way to support immediate, short-term relief efforts. The following organizations can accept donations and quickly put them to use as part of disaster recovery:
Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance. For more information or to donate, click the link above.
The California Fire Foundation provides emotional and financial support to families of firefighters, firefighters, and their communities. For more information or to donate, click the link above.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Center for Disaster Philanthropy is the only full-time nation resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional disaster-related giving decisions. Use the link above to give to specific area relief such as California, Colorado, or Oregon.
Direct Relief responds each year to wildfires throughout the Western U.S. During fire responses, they provide N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in wild-fire affected communities. For more information or to donate, click the link above.
Northwest Dog Project is currently offering a safe place for evacuees to take their pets until they are able to return home. They are also providing supplies, crates, and dog food for those who had to evacuate in a rush with their animals. For more information or to donate, click the link above.
Samaritan’s Purse is a faith-based organization. Samaritan’s Purse responds to the urgent needs of families devastated by natural disasters. Whether in the United States or abroad, they come alongside hurting people to bring emergency relief and practical help. For more information or to donate, please click the link above.
The Salvation Army serves in nearly every zip-code across the United States and can provide immediate disaster relief. They provide services such as emergency preparedness, immediate emergency response, long-term disaster recovery, and emotional and spiritual care. For more information or how to donate, click the link above.
The United Way Bay Area has established a wildfire relief fund for immediate and long-term recovery assistance. For more information or how to donate, click the link above.
Tolleson Wealth Management’s dedicated Philanthropy Team is available to help evaluate the best way to carry out your charitable intentions and to facilitate your donations For additional information on the variety of charitable giving options available to you or to discuss more about your overall giving strategy, please contact your Tolleson Wealth Management Advisor or the Philanthropy Team at 214-780-2663 or PhilanthropyServices@tollesonwealth.com.