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How you can help Southern California wildfire victims
A firefighter works to extinguish the Thomas Fire as it burns past the 101 Highway towards the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura, California, Dec. 7, 2017.
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Kyle Grillot/AFP/Getty Images
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Thousands of people have been displaced as several wildfires have scorched Southern California this week.
Below are a few ways to help those in need, from donating money or supplies to giving your time:
All of the fires
Red Cross: You can donate to your local chapter either online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. They're also accepting applications for volunteers.
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GoFundMe: This crowdfunding site is collecting all of the campaigns raising money for victims of these wildfires. Read their stories and see if there is one you'd like to support.
YouCaring: Another crowdfunding site, YouCaring, is doing likewise. Find out more about those seeking help through the site.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles: The religious organization is raising money to help with fire relief efforts and for the victims. They're also taking donations of gently used emergency clothing, as well as Christmas gifts of new toys and new clothing. You can select the option to designate your donations online to "Wildfire Relief Efforts."
California Community Foundation: You can give to the foundation's Wildfire Relief Fund to help those affected by these fires, as well as others throughout the state.
Ralphs: You can donate money in specially marked collection canisters located at the check stands in Southern California Ralphs grocery store.
Ventura County
The Ventura County Fire Department cannot accept donations, but they've listed a few organizations in the area on their Twitter that could put your generosity to good use.
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https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE/status/943176379255758848
Thomas Fire Fund: The United Way of Ventura County, the American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services are working together to collect donations for those impacted by the fire. You can donate by texting UWVC to 41444 or donate at their website.
Salvation Army Ventura Corps: The Salvation Army is accepting financial donations and both food and water as they work to help the evacuees at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. You can donate online or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Humane Society of Ventura County: The organization said it has taken in about 300 animals and is in need of donations. You can bring supplies or food directly to the shelter. They've also set up an Amazon wish list for items that will help them to care for those animals.
Baby2Baby: The child-focused organization has started a registry so that people can send diapers, formula, blankets and other supplies to those displaced by the wildfires.
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Ventura County Community Foundation: This foundation has different funds you can contribute to in order to help fire victims with both their immediate, short-term needs, as well as mid- and long-term aid.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: This organization is accepting donations to help with its disaster relief efforts through Noah's Legacy Fund, which provides supplies, training and equipment to the first responders who rescue animals from disaster areas.
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