By Russell Snyder, owner of Maui Happy Hours
Donations are desperately needed for the ongoing recovery effort in West Maui.
I truly cannot find the words to describe the devastation in Lahaina. While the loss of others was far greater than my own, I still feel a deep sense of mourning for the tragedy that occurred on Maui on August 8, which has changed the Maui community forever.
In a testament to the strength of the people of this island, countless local businesses and individuals have donated their time and resources in this ongoing recovery effort.
However, since I have received numerous messages from mainland US and Canadian friends asking how they can help, I have compiled a list of reputable local organizations that are directly assisting with the ongoing relief and recovery effort in West Maui and are accepting online donations.
List of Local Organizations Assisting with the Lahaina Fire Recovery
- American Red Cross – Red Cross disaster workers in Hawaii responded immediately, opening shelters in which thousands of people sought refuge from the fires. Thousands of tourists are being evacuated to Oahu and the Red Cross has also opened a shelter there to assist displaced Maui residents and tourists. For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the Hawaii Wildfires, we ask that they write “Hawaii Wildfires” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter.
- Maui Food Bank – Emergency staff are staff are working diligently to supply relief to those in need in Lahaina and West Maui. With every $1 donated, the Maui Food Bank can provide 4 meals to the hungry living in our island community. https://mauifoodbank.org/donate/
- Maui Humane Society – We are currently all-hands-on-deck addressing the Wildfire Crisis. Please be assured your donation is going towards this effort. Mahalo. https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/donate-olx
- Maui Strong Fund – The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation started a Maui Strong Fund to support residents affected by the wildfires, which firefighting crews continue to battle in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kīhei and Upcountry areas. Donations can be made at www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
- Maui United Way – Maui United Way is urgently activating its Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund. The aim is to provide immediate financial assistance through grants to nonprofits at the forefront of relief efforts, as well as directly to households that have been deeply affected. We are accepting donations at https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
Is your organization accepting donations for the Lahaina fire relief effort?
If your organization or one you know about should be added to this page, please comment below or email Russell Snyder at russell@bigbeach.co and we will post it. Mahalo.