To help storm victims, give to verified recipients
By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020
Staff Report
Firefighters and other first responders are asking people not to bring donations to their Incident Command Post, but to donate to disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross or Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, as well as to any of the several accounts that have been established to help the victims of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides.
United Way of Santa Barbara County is a lead agency for the region to accept cash donations.
Law enforcement officials urge caution for anyone donating financially because con artists often take advantage of an emergency situation by setting up false GoFundMe websites and other types of illegitimate fundraising accounts.
United Way of Santa Barbara County and Ventura County have joined forces to directly support people through the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund. To donate online, log onto www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org; you can also text UWVC to 41444 or call 805-965-8591.
Used clothing, bedding and toys are not being accepted, but nonperishable food, new clothing, toiletries and monetary donations are being accepted at these agencies: