How to help Hawaii's wildfire victims: Food banks, shelters and cash donations

Thousands of Hawaiians were forced to flee their homes and abandon their businesses this week, as raging wildfires engulfed large swaths of land on Maui and the Big Island.

Hospitals on Maui have been overwhelmed with burn victims and patients with smoke-related illnesses.

The historic town of Lahaina, home to about 9,000 residents, was “almost totally burnt to the ground,” Sen. Brian Schatz said on Wednesday. In Maui alone, more than 270 structures have been damaged so far.

“These were small businesses that invested in Maui,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said on Wednesday. “These were local residents. We need to figure out a way to help a lot of people in the next several years. The road to recovery will be long.”

Since Tuesday, aid organizations and community-led groups have mobilized to provide assistance to those affected by the fires. The state’s attorney general, Anne Lopez, has warned donors to be cautious against “bad actors” who could “take advantage of people’s goodwill.” And Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has provided a list of tips on his website for avoiding scams when donating.

Here’s a list of credible organizations that you can donate to:

• American Red Cross: Several shelters have been opened in Maui and Hawaii by the American Red Cross to provide accommodation and safety for those displaced by the wildfires. “The Red Cross is working with local, state and federal officials and more help is on the way,” the organization said in a statement. Donations can be made here.

• Hawaii Salvation Army: Since Wednesday, this organization has fed thousands of evacuees at the Maui County/American Red Cross shelter. Volunteer positions are available for those interested in helping on the ground. Donations can be made here.

• Maui United Way: For those interested in donating to more community-driven organizations, United Way is accepting donations to provide relief to the island’s residents. Donations can be made here.

• Maui Humane Society: Located in Maui, this animal shelter is looking for donations as well as those people able to foster an animal. “We had zero kennels open before the fires began and now are expecting more dogs to come in,” the Maui Humane Society wrote on Facebook. Dog food, cat food, pop-up crates and litter trays are all requested by the shelter. Donations can be made here.

• Maui Food Bank: This organization has set up multiple donation and collection points across the island. Maui Food Bank is accepting cash and food donations as well as toiletries and baby products. “With every $1 donated, the Maui Food Bank can provide 4 meals to the hungry living in our island community,” the website states. Donations can be made here.