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AĀ wildfireĀ on Hawaii's island of Maui has destroyed theĀ town of Lahaina, killing more than 50 people, and officials say the toll is expected to rise. MultipleĀ fires were still burning on the island as teams spread out to search charred areas.Ā President Biden has approved a federal disaster declaration for Maui. Here's some ways you can help the affected families:
- The American Red Cross: Workers from theĀ American Red CrossĀ are in Maui, "working around the clock to help those affected,". To donate, visitĀ redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
- The Hawai'i Community Foundation: TheĀ Hawai'i Community FoundationĀ is accepting donations through its Maui Strong Fund. The foundation has already raised $1 million to help fire victims, Hawaii News NowĀ reports. To donate, visit the fund'sĀ website. For questions or additional information, please contact Donor Services atĀ donorservices@hcf-hawaii.orgĀ or (808) 566-5560.
- Maui United Way: The organization has set up aĀ Maui Fire and Disaster Relief Donations Page. All donations are processed online.
- Maui Food Bank: Maui Food BankĀ provides "safe and nutritious food" to anyone in Maui County who is at risk of going hungry. Maui Food Bank also donates food to disaster relief efforts on the island. "With every $1 donated, the Maui Food Bank can provide 4 meals to the hungry living in our island community,". To donate,Ā visit the food bank's website,
- The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is accepting Maui donations on its Hawaiʻi site, hawaii.salvationarmy.org.
- Maui Mutual Aid Fund: Looking to get funds and support to vulnerable residents, such as kūpuna (elderly), those with physical disabilities, renters and individuals without insurance. Donations can be sent to bit.ly/mauimutualaide.
- Maui Strong Fund: You can donate online at its website,Ā hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong, or you can send a check to Hawaiāi Community Foundation, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96813. Make checks payable āHawaiāi Community Foundationā.
- Maui Humane Society: The Maui Humane Society is asking for emergency foster homes for its animals to help make space for new displaced pets. Pet supplies, like wet and dry food, litter and pop-up kennels are also in need, and you can always donate funds on its website,Ā mauihumanesociety.org.
- Hawaiʻi Red Cross: The Hawaiʻi Red Cross is providing assistance and shelter to Maui fire victims and you can support them here.
- War Memorial Complex: The Maui War Memorial Complex (700 Halia Nakoa St, Wailuku) is open as a donation drop-off center, and it will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. accepting non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items and blankets.
Additional Drop-Off Locations:
- Sparkyās Restaurant, 385 Hoohana St., Suite 5C, Kahului
- Hoʻomana Barbell, 1826 Koahu St., Wailuku
- PÄŹ»ia Bay Coffee Bar, 120 HÄna Hwy., PÄŹ»ia
- Hi-Tech Store, 425 Koloa St., Kahului
- Maluhia Collective, 1960 Main St., Wailuku
- Boba Bar PÄŹ»ia, 2 Baldwin Ave., PÄŹ»ia
- Anytime Fitness Pukalani, 24 Kiopaʻa St., Makawao
- Lumeria Maui, 1814 Baldwin Ave., Makawao