Northern California Wildfires: A Few Ways to Help

I can’t really get back to normal blogging without first sharing my heartfelt heartbreak over the devastation that has occurred to Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino Counties places near and dear to us. I just got back from Sonoma a few weeks ago, and while I am holding off on blogging, especially because the danger is not yet 100% over, I do hope that someday I can, in a sensitive and appropriate way, share some of that trip and help to promote the businesses that we visited that remain. Sadly, not all of them are still standing, but knowing the spirit of the people of wine country, I know they will rebuild.

We have always received the warmest welcomes in the region, and all I can hope to do is share resources, prayers, love, and hope.

In times of tragedy it can be tempting to just give to any donation site that pops up;  below I’ve shared a few links shared by people from the area who I have met/known through social media for years.

Redwood Empire Food Bank

http://refb.org/

“The REFB is currently providing critical food to evacuation centers and shelters for our neighbors displaced by fires. In addition, we are working to ensure that those who needed food assistance before the fires are still able to access our help.”

Sonoma Humane Society

http://sonomahumane.org/

“Your donation is crucial as the days & weeks of this terrible disaster unfold. Your support will help us care for homeless injured stray animals and provide no-cost burn treatment for fire victims.”

Rebuild Wine Country, partnered with Habitat for Humanity

https://www.rebuildwinecountry.org/

We are pleased to announce a partnership with Rebuild Wine Country, spearheaded by a group of local wine industry professionals from both Sonoma County and the Napa Valley. With the funds they raise, we will be distributing financial support to the counties most heavily affected by the North Bay fires, and help individuals directly impacted repair and rebuild their homes.

Anova Center for Education

https://www.gofundme.com/anova

“The Anova Center for Education, Sonoma County’s only nonprofit school for children living with autism was demolished by the wildfires that are ravaging Northern California. Thankfully, none of the school’s students were injured in the fire, but the blaze now leaves 120 students ranging from 5 to 22 years old without a school.
All donations will go toward rebuilding our K-12 classrooms, transition program, occupational therapy equipment, and many other specialized needs of our students.”

For additional organizations, please refer to this blog post by Sip on this Juice.

http://siponthisjuice.com/sonoma-county-fires-in-california-what-you-can-do-to-help/

Buy Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake County wine!  Helping to support the local economy is a delicious and easy way to help the rebuilding process.

Here in Boston, I know that the Himmel Hospitality Group is doing wine promotions at Grill 23, Post 390, and Harvest  in the coming days/weeks. You can find details on their Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/dineatharvest/

https://www.facebook.com/Post390/

https://www.facebook.com/grill23andbar/

I would love to update this list of Boston fundraisers, so please feel free to share those you know, and keep an eye out for updates.