Organizations across Hawaii are mobilizing to help fire victims on Maui.
At least 80 are confirmed dead and thousands were displaced as fires fueled by dry winds from a passing hurricane tore through Lahaina and Kula. At least 271 buildings have been affected.
If you’d like to help recovery efforts, there are several ways that you can pitch in.
Cash Donations For Maui Fire Victims
Here are some organizations accepting donations for emergency efforts. Links attached to the organization names below will take you directly to donation checkout pages.
In-Person Donation Centers
Maui Food Bank
Maui Food Bank is collecting and distributing food and other items to emergency victims, according to its website.
The following donations are requested:
- Rice.
- Canned protein (pop-top cans).
- Canned meals (pop-top cans).
- Snacks.
- Protein and breakfast bars.
- Peanut butter.
- Jelly.
- Baby food.
- Diapers.
- Feminine hygiene products.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Toilet paper.
- Paper towels.
- Other toiletries.
Items can be delivered to a number of drop-off sites, including in:
Central Maui
- In His House of Restoration (63 Laa St.)
- King’s Cathedral (777 Maui Veterans Highway)
- Salvation Army Kahului (45 Kamehameha St.)
South Maui
- Calvary Chapel South Maui (320 Ohukai Rd., Ste. 420)
County Emergency Shelters
People and organizations wishing to contribute to Maui County relief efforts may express interest in an online form.
County emergency shelters have a need for the following items, which can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku (700 Halia Nakoa St.):
- Non-perishable food.
- Bottled water.
- Hygiene items.
Do not bring items to fire stations. They cannot accept items for shelters.
Volunteer To Help Maui Fire Victims
Here are some organizations looking for help serving victims and aiding in recovery efforts on Maui:
Avoid Scams
The state Attorney General’s office urged residents to use caution when choosing where to send their money and donations.
“I know that the people of Hawaii will come to the aid of our families, neighbors and communities,” says Attorney General Lopez. “We are already seeing various fundraising efforts being promoted on social media platforms and online. In moments of crisis, we all must be extra vigilant against bad actors who try to take advantage of people’s goodwill.”
Before making a donation, the AG advised in a news release Wednesday to keep following tips in mind:
- Donate to trusted, well-known charities. Beware of scammers who create fake charities during natural disasters. Always verify a charity’s legitimacy through its official website. If someone is fundraising on behalf of a charity you are familiar with, the best practice is to donate directly to that charity.
- Verify that the charity is legitimate. Any charity that solicits donation in Hawaii must be registered with the Department of the Attorney General, and its status can be verified here. There are also a number of independent online sources you can use to verify that a charity is legitimate, including the following:
- Stay away from suspicious donation requests and be mindful of the following scammer’s tactics:
- Rushing you into making a donation. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. Take your time to do your research.
- Asking you to make a donation using cash or gift card. Most legitimate charities will accept credit card and check donations.
- Using names that sound a lot like the names of real charities. This is one reason it pays to do some research before giving.
- Scammers make lots of vague and sentimental claims but give no specifics about how your donation will be used.
If you know of a trusted nonprofit serving fire victims that isn’t on this list, drop it in the box below and we’ll take a look as soon as we’re able. Mahalo in advance for your patience — we’ve been busy around here.
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