The United Way of Santa Barbara County has joined forces with United Way of Ventura County to directly support those individuals and families affected by the Thomas Fire. Nonperishable food, new clothing, toiletries, and monetary donations are being accepted at the agencies listed below. Used clothing, bedding, and toys are not being accepted.
. United Way of Santa Barabra County: Monetary donations are accepted at www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org or text “UWVC” to 41444.
. American Red Cross: Monetary donations are accepted at www.redcross.org or by texting “redress” to 90999.
. Foodbank Santa Barbara County: Nonperishable food and fresh produce are accepted in Santa Barbara at 4554 Hollister Ave., 1525 State St., and 490 W. Foster Road in Santa Maria. Santa Barbara Foodbank
. Salvation Army: Unopened and canned food monetary donations are accepted at 423 Chapala St., Santa Barabra. Salvation Army Santa Barbara
. Unity Shoppe: New clothing, shoes, blankets, toiletries and monetary donations are accepted at 1219 State St. Unity Shoppe
The firefighters greatly appreciate that the community wants to make donations of food, clothing, and money, but they want the community to know that they are adequately taken care of and ask that you donate to disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, local food bank, etc. United Way of Santa Barbara County is also a lead agency for the region accepting cash donations.
The United Way has assured that 100% of proceeds tot he Thomas Fire Fund go directly to a strategic partnership that will be vital in helping the community recover. Recipients include the residents of the homes and apartment buildings that are destroyed by the fire and the people who are being temporarily housed at local shelters.
If you are wanting to financially support the incident, please be advised that individuals often take advantage of the situation by setting up false GoFundMe websites and other types of fundraising accounts that are not legitimate. If you are interested in donating to help in an incident, call and verify that the beneficiary is authentic.
This information was gathered from the Montecito Journal
Image from Montecito Fire Department website
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