Wildfires continue to ravage North California’s wine country. Dozens are dead, thousands displaced, and the massive property cost inestimable. While most of us do not live close enough to volunteer in person, there is plenty that we can all do to help.
- Napa and Sonoma Fire Relief Fund is one of the bigger relief efforts. Donations to this group will be split evenly among Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, Napa County Fire Department, Lake County Fire and Rescue, Santa Rosa Fire Department, and The Redwood Credit Union – North Bay Fire Recovery Fund.
- There are dozens of people, places, and groups with GoFundMe campaigns to benefit Wine Country. The easiest way to find the cause that moves you the most is to check out GoFundMe’s dedicated hub page for all their NorCal wildfire relief campaigns.
- If you’re looking for an established group to disburse your donation, the United Way is a good option. Most importantly, the charity noted, “100% of your gift will go directly to relief and recovery efforts. United Way Bay Area will absorb all administrative costs for handling and processing donations.” You can find details here.
- For others in the industry with resources specific to farming and winemaking, you can offer your unique assets here.
- If you think smoke is better paired with meat, help out the Napa Valley Fire BBQ Relief The venture is a collaboration between Napa’s Woodhouse BBQ and Operation BBQ Relief, a national conglomeration of competition barbecuers who deploy their skills and smokers to disaster zones.
- Off The Grid, a San Francisco based food truck and outdoor market organizer, is dispatching their chefs and trucks northward to feed victims and first responders. You can donate to the effort.
- You can also feed people through some old fashioned infrastructure. FoodPantries.org is a “directory of Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, and non-profit organizations committed to fighting hunger.” Here’s Napa, Sutter & Yuba, and Sonoma.
- Several counties also have relief funds run through their local Community Foundation. Here’s Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino.
- Don’t forget our furry friends! It’s best to go with the time-tested local SPCA chapters here. Humane Society of Sonoma County, Humane Society of Napa County, and Yuba-Sutter SPCA.
- AirBnB is giving back also–sort of. The home-sharing/renting company is asking their host properties to donate space to evacuees. Details here.
- Or, you can help out the folks in Puerto Rico who need all the help that they can get.