Photo credit: Maui Humane Society
Update August 15th: As the death toll continues to rise from the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, many families are still missing loved ones as more than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for and many animals have died. As of today, only 25% of the disaster zone in Lahaina has been searched and inspected.
Many families have lost loved ones and have been left homeless after their communities were destroyed.
According to the Maui Humane Society, wildfires are continuing to burn with new fires popping up across the island. They desperately need your help!
Monetary donations are the best thing that you can donate at this time. Funds will allow the Maui Humane Society to provide on-going care for those owners and pets that have lost everything. It will allow them to provide medical care for injured pets, supplies for displaced people and pets, and shelter and care for animals that are waiting to be reunited with their owners.
They also started a Facebook group called, “Maui Fires Pets Help Group,” that will serve as a platform for individuals who are able to help to connect with those in need, without straining the resources at the shelter. They are encouraging community members to join this group and collaborate with fellow Maui residents to ensure that animals stay with their owners.
Learn more about how you can help HERE!
August 10th: Heartbreaking images continue to surface of the devastation left on Maui after wildfires continue to rip through towns destroying communities. Hundreds of people have lost their homes, at least 36 people have been killed, many animals have died, and the numbers are expected to rise.
The Coast Guard has been rescuing people from the waters off of Lahaina after many desperately jumped into the ocean to flee the fires.
The wildfires that are continuing to spread throughout the island are being fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora that is passing by to the south of the island hundreds of miles away.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Governor Josh Green, who is out-of-state traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard.
As the dust settles, communities are left looking at everything they’ve known to love, completely destroyed. Yet, signs of hope are already emerging as everyone is quickly coming together to help their Ohana.
Please consider donating to these organizations on the ground helping people and animals in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires:
Na Wahine Toa Foundation, HERE!
Maui Humane Society, HERE!
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, HERE!
ʻĀina Momona, HERE!
Hawaii Chamber Foundation Business Relief Fund, HERE!
Maui Food Bank, HERE!
Aid To Lahaina Families, HERE!
You can also find a list of people found and those still missing, HERE!
If you are on Maui, donations of goods are desperately needed for those who have lost their homes.
Toiletries, bedding, pillows, towels, non-perishables foods, and water can be dropped off at any Keep It Simple locations, HERE!
Donations below have been requested by Maui Food Bank, you can find locations, HERE!
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Rice
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Canned meals (pop-tops)
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Snacks
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Protein and Breakfast Bars
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Peanut butter
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Jelly
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Baby Food
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Diapers
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Feminine hygiene products
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Tooth paste / Tooth brush
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Toilet Paper
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Paper Towels
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Other toiletries
No containment numbers were available for the other fires raging on Maui as of early Thursday local time.
In these trying times, it’s important for us to stand together with those who need us. We are sending our prayers to everyone who has been affected by these tragic wildfires.
May God Bless!