
How to Help California Fire Victims (and Avoid the Scammers)
We're a giving bunch here in Minnesota. When we see people suffering, we look for ways to help. The wildfires in southern California have left us wondering what we can do.
The short answer is donating money (safely), not stuff.
Complete communities have been erased by fire. Homes, businesses, schools; its hard to wrap your head around the level of complete devastation. Insurance companies, and state and federal government programs can only do so much to help people and communities rebuild.
Many companies are already committing money to assist. The Minnesota Vikings have pledged one million dollars, along with a million each from three other teams, and a million from the NFL.
Disney has pledged 15 million towards the rebuild. Walmart is kicking in 2.5 million. Paramount says they're good for a million, and so is Kroger. There will likely be more added to this list.
How & Where Can We Donate to Help?
NBC News has done the homework for us and has vetted the following organizations.
- California Community Foundation
- California Fire Foundation
- L.A. Fire Department Foundation
- Pasadena Humane Society
- Ventura County Community Foundation
- American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy
- Direct Relief
- World Central Kitchen
Beware of the Scammers
Use extreme caution when it comes to inbound requests for donations, or opportunities to help. It's much safer of you initiate the giving, by contacting a reputable and trusted organization like the ones listed above.
Forbes recommends using Charity Navigator so you can learn whether or not the charity itself is a scam. Charity Navigator will not only tell you if the charity you are considering is legitimate, but it will also tell you where you can make your donation, thereby avoiding scammers posing as legitimate charities.