Maui Fires have devastated the island and its people need our help.
Wildfires have ravaged Lahaina, Maui, prompting residents to evacuate with their belongings as the fires razed the historic town, leaving devastation in their wake. With each day, we learn about the loss of life, homes, and material items the people of Maui are facing.
Various organizations in Hawaii are joining forces to aid those affected by the wildfires in Maui.
Although the reason for this disaster has not been confirmed, it is thought that the fires were potentially ignited by dry winds from a passing hurricane, have caused significant destruction in Lahaina and Kula, claiming the lives of at least 55 individuals.
Over 2,000 people have sought refuge in emergency shelters, while the flames, fanned by strong winds, have consumed at least 271 buildings.
How can you help?
For those interested in contributing to recovery endeavors, several avenues exist to assist.
Monetary Contributions for Maui Wildfire Victims: Several organizations accept donations to support emergency response efforts. The links associated with each organization’s name below will direct you to the donation checkout pages.
- Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund: Focused on swift response and collaboration with local nonprofits to assess community needs. The establishment of the Maui Strong Fund aimed to furnish community resilience with essential resources for confronting disaster preparedness, responding effectively, and facilitating recovery. Presently, the fund is actively engaged in aiding the communities impacted by the wildfires that have swept through Maui.
- Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to address hunger issues in Maui County. Maui Food Bank helps to provide hunger relief to those in need by collecting and distributing food to organizations and agencies throughout Maui County.
- Maui United Way: Offering direct relief to families and nonprofit entities. Maui United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
- The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division: Supplying food and resources for evacuees.
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching donations up to $1 million for Maui fire victims.
- Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced individuals and animals and tending to injured animals. Emergency fosters are also being sought. The primary goal of the Maui Humane Society is to safeguard and rescue animals in Maui, extending assistance to all those requiring aid. They are dedicated to enlightening the community about responsible animal care and cultivating a sense of reverence and empathy for all creatures.
- World Central Kitchen: Collaborating with local organizations to provide meals to people displaced from the fires. World Central Kitchen (WCK) takes the lead in delivering meals during times of humanitarian, climate, and community crises. By employing our rapid response approach, utilizing nearby assets, and adjusting on the fly, WCK has furnished hundreds of millions of wholesome meals across the globe.
- River of Life Mission: Distributing coffee and stuffed animals to evacuees at the many shelters on Maui.
Physical Donation Centers: Maui Food Bank actively receives food and other items to assist emergency victims. The organization is also seeking volunteers for disaster response. The following items are needed:
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, Toothbrushes and toothpaste, Toilet paper, Paper towels, Other toiletries, pet food.
These items can be dropped off at Central and South Maui locations.
County emergency shelters need non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene products, blankets, pillows, slippers, clothing, men’s underwear, large duffel bags, and storage containers. Donations can be made at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku during specified hours.