Hawaii wildfires: How you can help Wilmington-area groups in recovery efforts
A series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, mainly on the island of Maui, on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The wind-driven fires forced people to evacuate, caused extensive damage and killed more than 100 people in Lahaina.
The Lahaina wildfire was the deadliest fire in the United States in more than 100 years. It has destroyed as many as 2,700 structures, most of which were homes, leaving thousands of residents without somewhere to live.
How can you help this state, which by plane is over 4,600 miles from North Carolina, in relief efforts?
Two well-known organizations are currently helping in the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army of Cape Fear.
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American Red Cross: Since the fires began, the Red Cross and the county government have provided more than 4,200 overnight shelter stays in 12 emergency shelters on Maui and Oahu. Also with the help of partners, the Red Cross have provided more than 28,600 meals and snacks to people in need.
More than 300 trained Red Cross disaster workers — from Maui, other Hawaiian islands and all corners of the country — are helping now with more on their way. Of the more than 300 Red Cross volunteers presently on the ground in Maui and Oahu, seven are from North Carolina and two are from the Cape Fear Area Chapter.
"We expect to deploy more volunteers to Hawaii in the coming weeks to help relieve those who have been working tirelessly to care for those impacted since the disaster began," said James D. Jarvis, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Cape Fear Area.
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Sixty percent of all the donations that the Red Cross received to help North Carolinians after Hurricane Florence came from outside the state of North Carolina, and "we are asking anyone who can to please help us provide food, shelter, financial assistance and hope to the victims of this horrific disaster," Jarvis said.
To donate visit www.redcross.org/donate or to make a $10 donation text REDCROSS or DISASTER to 90999.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has had a presence in Hawaii for years. The Salvation Army, which owns property in the devastated area, was damaged.
"Our staff and volunteers, though not able to work from our own property in the devastated area, are back with reinforcements, serving in a number of areas, on the scene, and from Salvation Army Command Posts nearby," said Major Ken Morris, a pastor and corps officer with the Salvation Army of Cape Fear.
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The Salvation Army is working alongside the Red Cross in providing food for the people once a shelter is set up. Feeding people in the shelters and through the roving Mobile Feeding Units (canteens). The organizations are helping victims as well as relief workers.
"With our presence already there, we responded even before the flames were consumed, and will continue to help those involved for years to come," Morris said.
The Salvation Army is sending supplies, food, more relief vehicles and people from the mainland. The best way to help is through monetary donations. To make a donation: Text 'HAWAIIFIRE' to 51555, online at hawaii.salvationarmy.org or call 1-800-725-2769. Funds can be addressed to the Salvation Army of Cape Fear, P.O. Box 90, Wilmington NC, 28402. Please note "Hawaii Wild Fire" on the checks. All funds received will be sent directly to the affected areas.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington helping with Maui wildfire recovery efforts
