How to Help

There is little antidote to the fear, uncertainty and sadness that wildfires can create, but disasters are also a time when communities can unite to support those affected.

It’s yet unknown how many homes will ultimately be lost in the Soberanes Fire, but as this story goes to print, at least 20 have burned and there may be more to come.

Unless you personally know people affected by the fire, and have your own ways of helping them, the best way for the greater community to help those affected by the fire, and the volunteers fighting it, is by donating money.

Below are a handful of tax-deductible ways to do that.

• The Coast Property Owners Association

set up an account to receive and distribute donations to those who have lost homes or been displaced by the Soberanes Fire. To make a donation, go to www.cpoabigsur.org or mail a check to: Coast Property Owners Association, P.O. Box 59, Big Sur, CA, 93920.

• The Community Foundation for Monterey County

created the Soberanes Fire Fund, and 100 percent of donations will fund grants for nonprofits offering recovery services—like short-term housing or rental assistance—to those affected by the fire. Donate at www.bitly.com/soberanesfund, or mail a check marked “Attention: Soberanes Fire Fund” to CFMC, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA, 93940.

• The Mid-Coast Fire Brigade

a volunteer firefighting team in Palo Colorado, got its first rest since the fire broke out on July 22 when reinforcements streamed in July 25. To donate to the nonprofit, go to www.midcoastfirebrigade.org or mail a check to Mid-Coast Fire Brigade, Palo Colorado Road, Carmel, CA, 93923.

• The Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade

is also actively fighting the Soberanes Fire. Donate at www.bigsurfire.org or mail a check to Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, P.O. Box 520, Big Sur, CA, 93920.

• The Los Padres Forest Association

is accepting and distributing donations of non-perishable food, new and gently used clothing and blankets, toiletries and dog food for people displaced by the fire. Drop off items at Big Sur Station off Highway 1, open daily from 9am-4pm.

• American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter

has trained volunteers and staff providing shelter, food, health and mental health services to those displaced, as well as recovery services to those whose homes are lost or damaged. To donate, people can visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or mail a check to PO Box AR Carmel, CA 93921 (check should be made out to American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter Disaster Relief).

• Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV)

has launched a new website pairing those who wish to donate and those in need: www.montereyco.recovers.org.

• The SPCA for Monterey County

is accepting cat and dog food donations, as well as kitty litter. Drop off donations at All Saints' Day School.

• Local chefs

will donate food and host a benefit dinner 2-6pm Sunday, Aug. 28 at Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Coast Property Owners Association.