Here’s how to help Carr Fire victims

With the deadly Carr Fire in its second week, more than 1,000 Californians have lost their homes and tens of thousands more still cannot return to their residences.

With the 115,000-plus acre blaze only 35 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, many more people will end up losing housing, businesses, and personal possessions.

Here’s how you can help: As noted during the 2017 firestorm, relief agencies stress that cash donations are the best way to assist; supply donations tend to create a lot of work shipping and storing them. Some donations even end up going to waste.

In fact, the Sacramento Bee reported Tuesday that California charities are already “overwhelmed” with donated goods for Carr Fire victims.

“We don’t have anywhere to store this stuff right now,” explained the CEO of one relief organization.

For anyone who wants to contribute monetarily to relief efforts, here’s a quick list of some of the opportunities to lend a hand.

Know of a relief avenue that’s not listed here? Reach out and we’ll add it to the list.

• The Shasta Regional Community Foundation (established in 2014 in response to a previous Northern California Fire) is accepting donations through its site here, promising donors that “100 percent of your donation (excluding online credit card processing fees) will go to Carr Fire recovery efforts.”
• The United Way of Northern California is accepting donations as well. In addition to using the United Way site, you can also text “CarrFire” (one word) to 91999.
• Tri Counties Bank, which services Shasta County, has set up a GoFundMe page for relief funds, which is more than 75 percent of its way toward a $200,000 goal since the weekend.
• The Salvation Army also has a page specifically dedicated to help provide food for both evacuees and firefighters.
• Those who wish to donate through the American Red Cross can text “RedCross” (one word) to 90999.

• Carr Fire Destroys 1,000 Homes [Curbed SF]
• How To Help Fire Victims [Curbed SF]
• Charities Overwhelmed With Goods [Sac Bee]