November 14, 2018
I started to write this blog about donating safely in this season of giving. Then mother nature took over and it became a combined blog about giving during the current fire disasters in California and about 
giving locally for the holidays.
Holiday Donations:
In last week’s local paper there was a list of local organizations recommended as good places to donate over the holidays. At a time of giving and sharing it is always good to know of reputable places and know that your money is going for good. The list (click on the name to go to the web address) is below for your convenience.
The Salvation Army: This organization provides Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, toys for kids and runs the local food bank. You can donate goods, cash or time to this valued local group. You can donate directly on their website.
The Forgotten Children’s Fund: Our local Les Schwab Tires holds an annual toy drive to be distributed to local kids in need.
Shop with a Cop Fund: Centralia Police, Chehalis Policy and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office all participate in a “Shop with a Cop” program during the holidays. These individual programs each take kids in need shopping (1 Cop/1 Kid) so that the kids can buy presents for family members. Your donations pay for these gifts. Donations can be sent to:
Centralia Police Officers Association, PO Box 609, Centralia WA 98531,
Chehalis Police Officers Association, C/O Shop with a Cop, 350 N. Market Street, Rm 201, Chehalis, WA 98532 , or
Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Association, C/O Shop with a Cop, 345 W. Main St., Chehalis, WA 98532.
Lewis County United Way is also a good resource, if you are interested in other organizations looking for donations this holiday season.
CALIFORNIA FIRE DONATIONS:
With so many thousands evacuated because of the fires, hundreds still missing and over 50 dead, this is the deadliest fire season in California’s history. As of today the Camp and Woolsey fires combined have burned 232,000 acres. Whole communities are devastated, families displaced and of individuals are in need. Many of us know someone affected and know first hand the terrible loss and upheaval these fires cause families. Here are some reliable and responsible organizations you can consider for your donations.
Nonprofits that are seeking donations
American Red Cross: This nonprofit has opened shelters across the state to help evacuees. You can donate directly on their website.
California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: For 15 years, the foundation has 
offered aid to those affected by wildfires. Grants have gone to rebuilding homes, providing financial and mental health assistance and helping those affected to get medical treatment. You can donate directly on this site.
North Valley Community Foundation: This nonprofit in Chico is raising money to support organizations that are sheltering evacuees of the Camp Fire. These could include churches, fairgrounds and community centers, said Logan Todd, a foundation spokesman. You can donate directly on this site.
Salvation Army: At both ends of the state, the Salvation Army is providing meals to shelters in local churches, fairgrounds and a community college. This website offers you the choice of donating to relief for particular areas of the state.
For more recommended donation options for the California fires check out the New York Times article titled “How to Help Those Affected by the California Fires“, published November 11, 2018.
Quote of the Week:
A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows. -Francis of Assisi
