The Tucson and central Arizona chapters of the American Red Cross have representatives stationed in disaster relief shelters in Southern California as wildfires plague the region.
Georgi Donchetz, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross's Arizona and New Mexico regions, said Arizona residents can contribute through volunteer efforts, blood, and monetary donations.
“The No. 1 thing you can do is donate money to our disaster relief fund,” Donchetz said. “This will find people places to stay, make sure people have the cots, the blankets and everything they need to feel safe and comfortable if they have been evacuated from their home.”
Donchetz said enough blood drives have been canceled since New Year’s for the nonprofit to lose the opportunity to gain over 5,000 units of blood. These drives were canceled because of natural disasters, such as the wildfires in California and the winter storms in the Midwest.
“We are seeing these events, these big disaster events, become more frequent due to the climate crisis,” Donchetz said. “We need volunteers. We need people who are ready to go 24/7 to step up for their communities.”
The American Red Cross has six shelters in California to help provide relief for those who have lost their homes or have evacuated.
“Since we have shelters that are constantly moving, we are constantly evolving, it is important that we are not inundating our shelter staff with donated items,” Donchetz said. “If you want to help, donating funds is the best way to help.”
To donate funds or find a local blood drive, visit the American Red Cross website for information, or call a chapter to confirm information regarding what website to use and how to donate properly.