Some agencies overwhelmed by Wine Country fire donations, here’s where to send help instead

Evacuee Martha Lynn rests with her dogs Broonzy (not pictured) and Golly (right) at a Red Cross shelter after evacuating her home following the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. Evacuee Martha Lynn rests with her dogs Broonzy (not pictured) and Golly (right) at a Red Cross shelter after evacuating her home following the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 75 Caption Close Some agencies overwhelmed by Wine Country fire donations, here’s where to send help instead 1 / 75 Back to Gallery

The Bay Area was displaying its generosity with many well-intentioned food and clothing donations as the Wine Country fires continued.

The selfless gestures, however, were inundating several shelters as residents were showing up looking to volunteer or drop off items that shelters didn't need.

Laine Hendricks, public information officer with Marin County, said that many of the shelters in their area just don't have space to take in donations.

"We are asking the public to stand down," said Hendricks. "We are actually really good on [food and clothing] donations. We were basically inundated with everything you can imagine."

Agencies such as the Santa Rosa Fire Department and the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds have all echoed that sentiment, posting requests that people no longer drop off goods at their locations.

Instead, many of the shelters are working with partners to get necessities into the hands of those who need it most.

"It becomes a logistical challenge to have to deal with [donations], the big influx of resources," Hendricks said. "That's why we prefer to work with other partners to bring in the resources in the quantity that we need, when we need it and continue to refill those needs as we need it, rather than have a big stockpile of stuff."

There are ways to help. Below are some resources and tips to get fire victims the assistance they need, or match volunteers to the best organization.

Donate money

Many organizations, like Marin County, are working with partners and prefer that donations go through those organizations — it will reach the right areas. Local groups such as Redwood Empire Food Bank, UnitedWay Wine Country and Redwood Credit Union all have funds set up to help the area.

"Monetary donations give responders and organizations the flexibility to do" what they need to do," Hendricks said.

Volunteer, but through organizations

Some shelters are filled with people ready and willing to volunteer, while other places are still looking to fulfill specific needs. The best way to not overwhelm shelters is to go through a volunteer organization. Red Cross is looking to sign up volunteers here, however, The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) has temporarily suspended volunteer sign-ups as of Oct. 13 (to see the latest volunteer updates for CVNL, visit their Facebook page here).

Visit social media accounts for organizations for the latest updates

Shared Facebook posts are causing issues as information becomes quickly outdated. It's best to go to the Facebook page of the organization or evacuation center to find out what the latest needs are.

Confirm donations with shelters before you buy

Ask evacuation shelters what they need before making your purchases. One shelter stated they were overwhelmed with water bottles — way more than what they needed. Direct your purchases to suit the specific shelter, and that will keep your donation useful.

Here are some updating resources to check if you're thinking of giving money, donating or volunteering:

The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) partnered with other organizations to create a dynamic (and constantly updating) list of North Bay fire volunteer information and food/clothing donations on Google here. It also includes updating resources and links for fire victims in need of help. The group is also accepting monetary donations.

The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County recommended that those looking to volunteer or donate look at SonomaCounty.recovers.org, to get matched with organizations or groups that need help. Alternately, groups that need help can say what types of goods or services they're requesting.

Salvation Army in Santa Rosa has asked for monetary donations, as well as the following: new towels, bulk cleaning supplies, batteries (such as those used in flashlights), personal hygiene products. 93 Stony Circle, Santa Rosa. Open until 5 p.m.

Redwood Empire Food Bank is in need of ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, in non-glass containers. Food donations can be brought to their facilities in Santa Rosa until closing. The organization also takes monetary donations and is seeking volunteers on its website. They ask that volunteers sign up on the website, rather than show up at the food bank, and they will be contacted for volunteer opportunities. 3990 Brickway Blvd., Santa Rosa. (707) 523-7900. Open until 6:30 p.m.

Ukiah Players Theatre in Ukiah is the site of an evacuation center and it is in need of non-perishable food items, towels and personal hygiene products. For the latest updates in needed items, visit the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. You can leave a Facebook message with them if they have nothing recently posted, and they should respond. 1041 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah. (707) 462-9226.

For a longer list of organizations, head here.