The 2020 California wildfires, some of the worst ever experienced, have affected millions of people. More than 10% of California's population has been forced to relocate, and toxic smoke has turned the sky an ugly orange. While California is the most affected, Washington, Oregon, and Colorado are also affected. If you live in any of these areas, please see our live updates (opens in new tab) and interactive map (opens in new tab). But if not, and you are able to donate, there are still people in need of assistance. Here are a few ways to donate (opens in new tab).

The CCF page highlights the vast and diverse resources in Southern California (opens in new tab) and Northern California (opens in new tab), including direct donations to firefighters now on the job, emergency housing through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Salvation Army of Northern California (opens in new tab) The California Immigrant Resiliency Fund provides assistance to undocumented families. If you have a specific activity or cause you would like to support, this is a good place to start.

While it is not always clear whether individual GoFundMe pages are legitimate, this wildfire relief fund (opens in new tab) was started by GoFundMe itself and has raised $130,000 as of this writing. It plans to expand its assistance to all affected states and provide individual grants to disaster victims.

One misconception about donations is that charities are asking for any kind of supplies or food, which is not necessarily the case. The California Food Banks (open in new tab) explains exactly which food banks are affected, how donations can be made (financially first, if possible), and what supplies they are seeking. It also notes which banks are not in need of assistance and where funds and volunteer efforts are going. If you wish to donate in another state, check the requirements for that state.

One of the great things about United Way is that they not only provide support through individual grants, but also partner with non-profit organizations to maximize their impact. They also provide mid- to long-term relief efforts by volunteers to help states where many people are still affected after the fires have ended. You can read about their comprehensive work on the page "Wildlife Recovery and Disaster Relief" (opens in new tab).

As with previous wildfires, the Red Cross has established shelters throughout the state and is actively responding to recovery in short, medium, and long-term ways. They have already provided shelter to thousands of people and are providing food and other relief supplies to many more. For more information about their mobilization, or to donate (or if you are in need of assistance yourself), see the Wildfire Response Information page (opens in new tab).

The CDP California Wildfires Recovery Fund (opens in new tab) focuses on the long-term effects of these crises and is intent on filling gaps in assistance that other nonprofits do not. It specifically targets vulnerable populations.

The California Fire Foundation (open in new tab) Support for Victims of Emergencies (SAVE) program allows firefighters to provide $250 gift cards to those in dire need of food, water, shelter, and other basic needs. It also provides assistance to the families of deceased firefighters through the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund (opens in new tab).

With a cause close to my heart, their "Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund" (opens in new tab) not only helps evacuees, but also animals. Often forgotten in these tragedies are the creatures killed, forced to evacuate, or otherwise harmed by the massive fires; the 2019 fires in Australia were termed "ecocide."

This is indirect support, but it is becoming more important (and doesn't necessarily require money) by the day. Climate change is one of the most important issues in national, state, and local elections. It is important to know (opens in new tab) where politicians stand (not just at a high level, but informed and intentional voting where you live will affect changes in your daily life) and vote accordingly. Environmental insecurity is real (opens in new tab) and there are things we can do in our daily lives to effect change.