Hawaiʻi on the Cheap

affordable living and things to do

You are here: Home / Hobbies & Other Interests / Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer

Disaster relief: how and where to donate or volunteer

POSTED BY
Carole Cancler

Our hearts go out to everyone on Maui. You will remain in our prayers through recovery and as rebuilding begins.

Maui Wildfires ongoing updates

On August 8, 2023, wildfires swept through West Maui and leveled business districts, destroyed historic sites, gutted homes, and caused many deaths. The full effects of the devastation will take many months to unravel and rebuild.

March 5, 2024: The disaster emergency relief period has been extended through May 4, 2024. More info: Tenth Proclamation Relating to Wildfires (hawaii.gov)

Official channels are the best sources for the latest updates.

  • In September 2023, Official Recovery Information: Maui Recovers was launched to provide vital information and assistance to survivors of the fires including relief and aid Services, safe re-entry information, recovery and rebuilding, and other ongoing efforts.
  • On October 8th, 2023 West Maui accommodations began to reopen to visitors again. Lahaina itself will remain fully closed to the public until further notice. Maui Recovery – Hawaii Tourism Authority
  • With the exception of Lahaina, – Maui is open and there is plenty to see and experience, however, we urge visitors to be especially respectful and mindful. In addition, travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. More info: Maui Travel Updates | Go Hawaii

Other news and information sites:

Current Maui Relief volunteer opportunities

Maui Relief Support | MOKA (makanaokeakua.org). Volunteer opportunities ended March 31, 2024.

  • Oahu: Kakaako Warehouse, 200 Keawe St., Honolulu, HI 96813. 
  • Maui: Central Maui Warehouse (Old Safeway), 200 E Kamehameha Ave, Kahului, HI 96732. 

Best ways to help when disaster strikes

The best way to help whenever a disaster strikes anywhere in the world is to donate money established charities and funds. Every dollar you donate to well-established aid organizations go toward relief efforts. Above all, beware of charity frauds that claim to be raising money in any disaster. Before you donate your hard-earned money to a scammer, read FBI Tips on Avoiding Charity Fraud or check that the agency is top-rated by the independent charity rating group, Charity Navigator. Especially be aware of organizations with similar sounding names to well-established ones. If you have any doubt, you can donate to a charity directly from a link on Charity Navigator.

  • Scroll down for a suggested list of established charities and funds in Hawaii and elsewhere to support a variety of missions and causes.

Under no circumstances should you mail or drop-off care packages, toys, food, or clothes. Donating goods often become a burden. A system is required to accept, manage, sort, warehouse, and distribute supplies that often aren’t things people need. The only exception is when a credible organization requests specific supplies and is already set up to receive them. This is why cash is preferred…it is always useful, no matter the situation or need.

  • Supply drives are largely suspended. Supplies were needed in the week after the disaster until emergency services could setup shelters and organize supplies for distribution.

Under no circumstances should you travel to an area affected by disaster to “help”. Disaster areas request that individuals do not “self-deploy” and arrive alone. Only work through an established relief organization. Volunteers who self-deploy often find they lack resources and are unable to help, and many end up requiring rescue themselves, placing further burden on an already ravaged area.

  • Scroll down for a list of Volunteer Opportunities supporting various organizations throughout Hawaiʻi.

Are you prepared for disaster? If you are not in an affected area, this is a good time to make sure you are prepared in the event of a disaster. In Hawai’i, we typically need to prepare for floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Find resources and information for making a family plan and your disaster kits or “go” bags at Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Maui Wildfires disaster relief: where to donate or volunteer

Disaster relief resources are being pressed into service at every level, including federal, state, and county agencies. Grassroots efforts at fundraising are evident across the pae ʻāina. Disaster recovery will take many weeks and rebuilding much longer. We can all step in and help. Scroll down to find out where you can donate cash, drop-off requested supplies, or volunteer your time.

Donate cash to support Maui wildfire victims

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez reminds residents to use caution when choosing where to send their money and donations. Scams become more prevalent after high-profile disasters. If you donate, donate to trusted, well-known charities. Checks to large organizations such as Red Cross and Salvation Army should designate the funds for local relief, rather than the general fund. If someone is fundraising on behalf of a charity you are familiar with, the best practice is to donate directly to that charity. Weʻve compiled a list of reputable sources below. 

(Listed alphabetically by name)

Beware of charity frauds that claim to be raising money, which always appear during any disaster. Do not contribute to GoFundMe campaigns or other cash requests unless you personally know the recipients and trust the person collecting the money. Search for other legitimate charity at Hawaii Charities (ehawaii.gov) or Charity Navigator | Hawaii Wildfires

Donate points, miles, and more

Note: cash is best so that organizations can purchase the most needed supplies. However, if you have points or miles that are about to expire or will go unused, consider donating via your rewards account to charities listed. Your donation will average only a few cents per point or mile and are not tax deductible. Cash goes further to help those in need, if you have some to give.

Donate blood

Although a constant blood supply is always needed for surgeries and accidents, when a large disaster strikes, the need for blood goes up. Due to the Maui wildfire disastater, the donations are urgently needed from O+ and O- donors, as well as A+ type for plasma. 

The qualifications to be a blood donor are simple: be in good health, at least 18 years of age (no upper limit), weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID with your birth date. It is recommended to drink eight to 10 glasses of water within the 24 hours prior to your appointment, eat a healthy, hearty meal, and get adequate rest.

You can find a donation center open every day. More info: Blood Bank of Hawaii. (bbh.org)

Donate supplies

  • Supply drives are largely suspended as they are no longer the most effective way of getting relief to those who need our help.

Donate time (volunteer opportunities)

More Hawaiʻi Relief Organizations

Listed below are community service organizations that directly support ʻohana across the Hawaiian Islands. This is by no means a complete list of reputable organizations in Hawaiʻi. Our list focused on a few organizations offering assistance with food, farming, housing, marine resources, and education. Each has a Charity Navigator rating of 90-100%. If you cannot donate cash, many of these organizations also need volunteers.

 (Listed alphabetically by organization name)

Other Recommended Disaster Relief Organizations

Following is our suggested list of organizations who regularly respond in disaster and relief situations, are best equipped to assist those in need, and highly rated by Charity Navigator (4 stars+) for accountability and transparency.

Emergency Service Relief Organizations

Aga Khan Foundation is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty. While inspired by the values of Islam – particularly consultation, solidarity with those less fortunate, self-reliance and human dignity – the Foundation is not a religious organization and represents all religions and persuasions. They are driven by the belief that when all people – regardless of faith, origin or gender – live and work side by side to improve their communities, the fabric of society is stronger.

American Jewish World Service is dedicated solely to ending poverty and promoting human rights in the developing world. Through philanthropy and advocacy, they’ve addressed some of the gravest global problems of our time—genocide, AIDS, violence against women and girls, hatred of LGBT people, and the horrific consequences of natural and human-made disasters.

AmeriCares is a global health and emergency response organization. They can quickly dispatch local emergency response teams from their offices worldwide with shipments of medical aid and relief supplies for those affected.

Baitulmaal works to alleviate poverty, restore hope and dignity through emergency relief and long-term sustainable development in health, education, and community empowerment.

Catholic Relief Services maintains field offices worldwide to provide emergency relief materials such as tarpaulins/shelter kits, water, sanitation and hygiene material.

Global Giving is the first and largest global crowdfunding community that connects vetted nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country around the world. They help local nonprofits access the funding, tools, training, and support they need to become more effective.

Entertainment Community Fund provides a safety net of human services nationally for people who work in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance—everyone on stage, in front of the camera, or behind the scenes—to address the specific needs of entertainment professionals in the often unpredictable industry.

Helping Hand for Relief And Development is a global humanitarian relief and development organization responding to human sufferings in emergency and disaster situations around the world regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, location, religion, color, cultural diversity and social background, with a special focus in countries where the majority of the population lives below the poverty line. In addition to emergency relief efforts in natural or man-made disasters, they also work on long term relief and development programs.

ICNA Relief USA seeks to alleviate human suffering by providing caring and compassionate service to victims of adversities and survivors of disasters. ICNA Relief USA strives to build healthy communities, strengthen families and create opportunities for those in despair while maintaining dignity and advocating for basic human needs.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. IRC is governed by a volunteer, unpaid board of directors. IRC teams provide health care, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in more than 40 countries, with special programs designed for women and children. They resettle thousands of refugees each year in 26 U.S. cities.

Water Mission is a nonprofit Christian organization that designs, builds and implements safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas, using innovative technology and engineering expertise.

World Relief (as originated within the National Association of Evangelicals) focuses on disaster response, health and child development, refugee and immigration services, economic development and peacebuilding, working holistically with the local church to stand for the sick, the widowed, the orphaned, the alienated, the displaced, the devastated, the marginalized and the disenfranchised.

Zakat Foundation of America is an international charity organization that helps generous and caring people reach out to those in need. Their goal is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the poorest people around the world. They believe that those whom God has granted wealth need to cleanse that wealth through charity, and those whom God has tried with loss are accorded a rightful share from the resources of the affluent.

Crisis Services for Children and Families

Action Against Hunger USA is a global organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger, saving the lives of malnourished children and ensuring everyone access to clean water, food, training, and healthcare.

Crisis Aid International concentrates efforts in East Africa and the United States serving children and families who are in crisis situations.  Whether it be famine, disease, natural disaster, or sex trafficking, Crisis Aid is there to assist in sustaining life, bring encouragement to those suffering and collaborate with other relief organizations in bringing necessary foods, materials and medicines to people in times of crisis, particularly where life and death situations exist.

First Book creates equal access to quality education affordable – everything from brand new, high-quality books and educational resources, to sports equipment, winter coats, snacks, and more – for its member network of more than 375,000 educators who exclusively serve kids in need. It is the largest and fastest-growing network of educators in the United States exclusively serving kids in need.

Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is an International crisis response and disaster risk management agency, providing relief and assistance following natural disasters, as well as resettlement programs for displaced families and extended relief and recovery support for communities living in vulnerable environments.

Hispanic Federation works with over 100 Latino health and human services agencies to promote the social, political and economic well-being of the Latino community in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, the environment and disaster relief. With offices in New York, Washington D.C., Connecticut and Florida, and a nonprofit footprint throughout the East Coast, HF uplifts millions of Hispanic children, youth and families locally and nationally.

International Relief Teams (IRT) provides health services and humanitarian assistance to victims of disaster, neglect, and profound poverty worldwide. During disasters, IRT chooses appropriate responses to leverage donor resources to their highest effectiveness, including deploying medical and reconstruction teams, providing relief supplies, or financing the restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure.

Medical Care Relief Organizations

Direct Relief is a nonprofit that specializes in providing international medical assistance. It coordinates with local partners to focus relief efforts where the need is greatest.

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) helps people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care. The organization was started by French doctors and its first office was in Paris, but there are now branch offices around the world.

Pathfinder International maintains the right of women and families to have access to contraception and quality reproductive health care in remote locations, under the most difficult conditions, serving the most vulnerable people. They collaborate with governments, NGOs, and community- and faith-based organizations to ensure safe childbirth, healthy families, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, reproductive health, and family planning programs.

Amazon Smile

Support your favorite charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, select a charitable organization of your choice. You can choose from over one million organizations to support.

Some organizations on the above list are eligible, as well as many local organizations such as schools, churches, visual & performing arts organizations, community foundations, veterans groups, and many, many others. You can choose only one organization to receive your donations and you can change organizations at any time.

When you make purchases from the AmazonSmile marketplace, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to your designated charitable organization.

It’s a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. Plus, you enjoy the added benefit that Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

 

Hawaii on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.