The Mendocino Complex Fire nearly doubled in size this past weekend, making it the fourth largest in state history. At the same time, the Carr Fire, burning near Redding, is currently the state's sixth most destructive fire and has burned more than 134,000 acres.
San Francisco- and Oakland-based nonprofits and businesses are now stepping up to support those in need. We put together a list with places where you can donate and volunteer.
Simply the Basics founder Meghan Freebeck announced on Twitter that the organization will provide support and care to the Carr Fire victims by offering donations to meet their basic needs and holding items that cannot be stored. "We are accepting donations and we will be working with the first responders and community where people are staying," Freebeck told us via email.
She added that the nonprofit often stores supplies that will be needed once the sites where people are staying can accept or have the space, and only provides products in the proper amounts needed.
Freebeck also said that volunteers are needed to host hygiene drives and sort donations. Interested parties can sign up for the nonprofit's newsletter to learn about such volunteer opportunities.
Rocket Dog Rescue is also collecting items to help satisfy immediate basic needs of those left homeless from the fires. Among those items are new socks, clean blankets, diapers, baby wipes, crates for animals as well as masks for smoke.
Donations can be dropped of at Chocolate Covered, 4069 24th St. in San Francisco between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. or at Rocket Dog Rescue, 3461 Foothill Blvd. in Oakland during morning and evening hours.
Another animal rescue, The Milo Foundation in Richmond, needs wire crates for animals evacuated from fire-danger areas, who currently live in evacuation shelters set up throughout East Lake County. Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, 255 Alabama St., will deliver them. [Editor's note: This reporter is a volunteer at Muttville.]
Other items, such as bleach, plastic tubs, bleach wipes, paper towels, clean linen, poop bags or pee pads, can also be dropped off at Muttville.
Oakland-based East Bay SPCA staff recently drove to the Redding area to transfer dogs from the Haven Humane Society to clear space for pets already displaced by the Carr Fire and to bring more than 100 rescued pets to the Bay Area. The shelter is still accepting donations to support its emergency rescue efforts.
VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists also said that its compounding pharmacy, Golden Gate, is offering 30 days of free pet medication to anyone affected by any of the California wildfires.
Pet Food Express also noted that it is lending a hand by sending needed supplies to rescues and shelters from its warehouse in Oakland. While it's not looking for donations, the company recommends giving donations to rescues or animal shelters in the affected areas, such as Orphan Dog.
Have you heard about other donation drives or fundraisers in San Francisco and Oakland? Text Hoodline at 415-200-3233, or let us know in the comments.
