Here’s how you can volunteer or donate
Twin disasters — a 76,000acre destructive blaze and massive blackouts — have forced evacuations, destroyed homes and left hundreds of thousands of people without essentials.
For many in Sonoma County, the recovery process is just beginning.
Here’s a list of ways you can help victims of the Kincade Fire by volunteering or donating.
American Red Cross: The Red Cross is accepting financial donations for victims of this disaster. People can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-7332767, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. The Red Cross is not accepting food, clothing or household items. Volunteer in Sonoma County:
The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County and Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership coordinate volunteer efforts during a disaster. Visit sonoma.cvnl.org to browse available opportunities and sign up. Redwood Empire Food Bank:
The food bank needs food and financial donations as well as volunteers to meet the needs of many evacuees. People who wish to volunteer should email volunteers@refb.org, and they will be contacted with information. Go to refb.org to make a financial contribution or learn how to donate food.
Local food banks: Local food banks are sending donations to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Sonoma County Animal Services: This organization is accepting financial donations to help provide care, food, blankets and veterinary supplies for animals displaced by the fire. Visit sonomacounty.ca.gov for more information. Sonoma Family Meal: The organization, which provides meals for fire survivors, is accepting financial donations and offers from professional chefs to volunteer in the kitchen. Volunteers are also needed to move and pick up food. Visit sonomacountymeal.org.
World Central Kitchen: The organization has set up at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa to provide meals for those affected by the Kincade Fire. It is seeking volunteers, but all slots are filled until Saturday. Visit wck.org and click the link for Kincade Fire relief. Petaluma People Services Center: The nonprofit is accepting financial donations and volunteers for the Kincade Fire relief effort at petalumapeople.org. In addition, it is accepting donations of dry shampoo, batteries, hydrocortisone cream, Sweet ’n Low, sleeping bags and blankets. Community Emergency Response Team: People can sign up for training classes at ready.gov/cert in disaster response to be prepared to serve the community in case of a future disaster.