As you all know California has recently been struck a terrible blow by raging wildfires which destroyed some 1800 homes. If you have been following the news you undoubtedly know that the political maneuvering started almost as fast as the fires themselves, and spread even faster. Coming from a proud tradition of firefighters I know that the worst thing you can do is politicize what is truly a human tragedy. In these circumstances it is best to simply pull together and help in any way you can, regardless of the politics involved.

Your Part:
We are calling on all our readers to donate or volunteer for the charity of your choice to help out the relief efforts in California. There is a list below with several great organizations that have already done so much. Even a small donation will help out. If you know of any we missed please put them in a comment and we will add them.

Our Part:
As our way of putting our money where our mouth is we will donate all profits from all of October to the Charity of Your Choice. Any charity that is working to help in California is eligible so write in your vote in the comments below. Every penny earned over expenses by this website for October will be donated so make sure you get your vote in by 5:00 on Friday November 2nd as we will be making the donation sometime Friday night.

Charities & Volunteer Opportunities:

Important notice: In the wake of any natural disaster there are those who would take advantage of the natural outpouring of support. Sadly this time is no different, so please wherever you decide to lend your support be careful of fraudulent charities.

  1. Habitat for Humanity: - A great group that works to eliminate homelessness and their services are likely to be very valuable as thousands of low income families have lost their homes.
  2. Second Harvest: - Extraordinary group that works year round to help more than 25 million low income Americans get the food they need. Find out how to help here.
  3. The Salvation Army: - There are many ways to donate to the Salvation Army and right now there will be shortages of everything.
  4. California Volunteers: - If you live in the area and are looking for ways to volunteer there is no shortage of need. This group is a great start to get you hooked up with the people who can use your help. You can also make a donation by calling 1-800-750-2858.
  5. Tzu Chi Foundation: - A Buddhist group which was founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in 1966 because she felt that “lack of love for others” has been the root of many problems in this world. “To save the world, we must begin by transforming human hearts.”
  6. San Diego Humane Society and SPCA: - And lastly lets not forget about the animals who need our help as well. The San Diego Humane Society can really use all the help they can get right now. Keep an eye on this page for updates on everything they are doing to help animals affected by the fires.
  7. The American Red Cross: - Using the online donation form you can choose the California Wildfires or any other area for your donation. I understand that many have problems with their operations but they are one of the big guys so they needed including. I would highly suggest that you earmark the donation to the California Wildfires if you are concerned with that money being used to support local churches.

There are of course hundreds and hundreds more but we wanted to cover some of the biggest as well as a couple of our favorites. There is a much longer list here, as well as more detailed commentary on the groups policies and practices. If you see any there you feel deserve mention here please list them in the comments.

~ William ~

P.S. Remember we are pledging all profits from October through this Friday to the charity of your choice so don’t forget to vote in the comments section below.

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