In the spirit of aloha
As the West Maui wildfires continue to challenge our friends, family, and the courageous first responders, our thoughts and prayers remain firmly with them. Despite the vast ocean that separates us, our hearts are intricately connected to our beloved ‘ohana back home. While the path to recovery may appear arduous and lengthy, we stand united in our conviction that together, we can overcome.
We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by these devastating events. During these trying times, it’s essential that we rally together to provide assistance in whatever way possible. In this spirit, the HCCNC is taking action by contributing to Maui Strong, and we encourage those who are able to do the same. Donations to Maui Strong, channeled through the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, will directly aid those who have been impacted, demonstrating the power of our collective support.
As we move forward, the HCCNC will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation of the West Maui wildfires. We are committed to keeping the San Francisco Bay Area ʻohana informed about ways we can extend our support.
During these challenging times, our unity, compassion, and resilience shine as bright as ever. Let’s continue to stand by one another, proving that distance cannot weaken the bonds that tie our hearts.
How you can help
Maui Strong
www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
The Maui Strong Fund was created to provide community resilience with resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The fund is currently being used to support communities affected by the wildfires on Maui. 100% of donations collected will go to helping families and businesses on Maui.
Maui Food Bank
https://mauifoodbank.org
Maui Food Bank plays a crucial role in offering sustenance to the families affected by the West Maui fires. As demand rises, our food inventory depletes rapidly, underscoring the urgency of our mission. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly to provide essential relief to those in dire need. Your support is invaluable during these challenging times and will have a lasting impact. For the latest updates on our efforts and ways you can contribute, please refer to our website. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing adversity.
Maui United Way
https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
Established in 1945, Maui United Way is dedicated to tackling critical issues on the island by prioritizing education, income, and health. With a longstanding commitment to the community’s well-being, we’ve launched a dedicated Maui Fire and Disaster Relief Donations Page. Your contributions are seamlessly processed online, ensuring efficient support for those affected by disasters. Join us in making a meaningful impact through your generosity.
Avoid fundraising scams
The Hawaiʻi State Attorney General reminds all to be extra vigiliant when choosing where to send your money and donations. If you donate, donate to trusted, well-known charities. Beware of scammers who create fake charities during natural disasters. Always verify a charity’s legitimacy through its official website. If someone is fundraising on behalf of a charity you are familiar with, the best practice is to donate directly to that charity.
Verify that the charity is legitimate. Any charity that solicits donation in Hawaiʻi must be registered with the Department of the Attorney General, and its status can be verified here. There are also a number of independent online sources you can use to verify that a charity is legitimate, including the following:
o IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos
o Charity Navigator: www.charitynavigator.org
o DCCA Business Search: https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html
Stay away from suspicious donation requests and be mindful of the following scammer’s tactics:
o Rushing you into making a donation. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. Take your time to do your research.
o Asking you to make a donation using cash or gift card. Most legitimate charities will accept credit card and check donations.
o Using names that sound a lot like the names of real charities. This is one reason it pays to do some research before giving.
o Scammers make lots of vague and sentimental claims but give no specifics about how your donation will be used.
Click here to read the Attorney General’s news release.
For more information please contact admin@hccnc.org.