As multiple fires rage through Southern California, leaving homes and land destroyed and uninhabitable, there are several ways you can make a difference to those affected.
The United Way of Ventura County, American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services have created the Thomas Fire Fund. All funds donated will go directly to the SoCal residents displaced by the fires.
Donations can be made via text message (Text UWVC to 41444), on United Way of Ventura County's website or over the phone at 805-485-6288.
Checks with "Thomas Fire Fund" in the memo line can also be mailed to 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93003.
The Red Cross is accepting applications for volunteers to help on its website. You can also make donations directly to the Red Cross on their website or over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
You are able to donate water and snacks to residents through The Salvation Army Ventura Corps. They are currently at the Ventura County Fairgrounds and are asking for donations to help evacuees.
As the charity's other chapters assist other evacuation centers around the state, the Salvation Army is also asking for monetary donations to support its work. Those wishing to donate can do so by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visiting the organization's website.
You can donate lightly used clothing, toys, and other Christmas gifts for families affected by donating to the Catholic Charities. Donations can be dropped off at Catholic Charities' Ventura Community Services Center at 303 N. Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001.
The charity has also created a special fund to help offset the cost of home repairs from the SoCal fires. Donations can be made to the Catholic Charities website.
Those who can are also encouraged to donate funds to the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC). The society works to care for more than 100 animals that it has taken in since the fires began at the beginning of the week.
The organization is looking for specific items to help: Alfalfa hay, Timothy hay, cat chow, rabbit food, flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, water troughs, bottled water, fruit, snacks, hoses and power generators. They can be dropped off at the shelter at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai.
HSVC is also asking for food and water donations to feed volunteers working around the clock to help the animals that they have taken in. Those who cannot bring supplies are encouraged to make cash donations on HSVC's website.
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation's disaster relief is also accepting donations through its Noah's Legacy Fund, which provides supplies, training, and equipment to first responders charged with rescuing animals from areas stricken by natural disasters.
Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 100515, Pasadena, CA 91189-0515 or submitted on the organization's website.