Great Places to Make a Flexible, Financial, “Fire” Donation

Consider making a financial donation to those hurt by the fires.

Recently, I've read many Facebook posts and interacted with response organizers and evacuees. After the initial days of evacuation, many prefer gift cards and monetary donations vs. goods. Gift card gives individuals flexibility to buy what they need wherever they are. Cash lets nonprofits buy what’s needed at any moment. I’ve learned many of the hardest hit are small communities of under 1,000 - some with a couple of hundred residents. With no big box stores in their “neighborhood”, Visa cards are the #1 choice as they are "accepted everywhere".

Area residents worry for their families. They are also concerned for the survival of their communities. If the businesses which support them fail, the community may become less livable. Some leaders are working to set up a gift card program for local restaurants and businesses. When ready, future donations can support both the local businesses and the people. Check back in the future for info on these efforts.

I’ve also been in contact with a group like ours working from Santa Cruz. They formed a few weeks ago to help with fire response efforts. Their leader, from Ben Lomond, can vouch firsthand for two organizations that have helped for years in the most affected areas. Valley Churches United and Mountain Community Resources are highly recommended. A San Jose Mercury News article reporting disaster response, firefighter, and other supportive groups is linked below too.

Check with your employer to see if you can double your impact. Thanks so much!

Until local businesses have gift cards, Visa gift cards and financial donations are prized. Costco and Safeway are the next most valued cards - though it varies a bit depending on the residents’ town.

And remember, your donation may be matched! Check with your employer!

Valley Churches is a non-denominational org in Ben Lomond near the very heart of the fire. They have served the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon - some of the very hardest hit areas. Churches has been helping for 30 years. Their mission is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” I’m reaching out to see if we can “adopt” some families Sounds like a partnership in the making! Donate now!

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Mountain Community Resource’s mission is to deliver essential services, provide equitable access to resources, and advocate for health and dignity in the San Lorenzo Valley & Scotts Valley. Contribute!

For suggestions of other organizations responding to the fire, the San Jose Mercury News has compiled a good list: Northern CA Wildfires: How to Help Fire Victims and Firefighters.