How to Help Hawaii Volcano Eruption Victims
The Hawaii volcano eruption has left hundreds of victims in its wake.
The Kilauea volcano's eruption, which shot lava hundreds of feet into the air, has displaced hundreds of residents and destroyed at least 35 buildings and homes.
Local officials say that as many as 10 fissures have emerged since Kilauea first blew a lid on Thursday. Rounds of earthquakes have also hit the eastern section of the Big Island of Hawaii since the eruption.
At one point, local officials were so overwhelmed by evacuation efforts that they turned away people who offered emergency relief services and supplies.
But on Monday, authorities set up an Eruption Information Center in Pahoa, bringing together a collection of local agencies and service providers to help organize victims and volunteers.
How to help volcano eruption victims in Hawaii
Donate to local relief agencies.
The County of Hawaii encourages donations to the local branch of the Salvation Army, which has acted as a clearinghouse for relief efforts. Call the local chapter at 808.756.0306 to find out what they need most.
Donate to Hawaii food banks.
You can donate to The Food Basket, a local food bank based in Hilo, one of the nine organizations providing services to evacuees at the main shelter located in Pahoa. Or, go the extra mile by hosting your own food or fund drive. Find out more about how to donate the proceeds here.
If you’re on the Big Island…
Local officials say there’s another way to help out the relief efforts: stop sightseeing or trying to take lava selfies. It’s dangerous.
