Don’t Despair: How to Help Victims of the Glass Fire

The fires continue in California, and the feelings of despair and hopelessness can at times (all the time?) overwhelm. Loss of life, property, personal belongings, historic buildings and wineries, crops and vintages … the still-burning Glass Fire, in Napa Valley, is but the latest conflagration to beset the state, and our collective psyche. As I am writing this, on the afternoon of October 1, it is 5 percent contained.

When I am channeling hopelessness about the situation, I flip the script and bring to mind the firefighters and other individuals saving lives, battling the flames, and helping people find safety. Their bravery and tireless work make me feel better. I also think about what I can do. And many others are asking about what they can do, as well.

Here are a few things you can do to help the citizens and organizations of Napa Valley; I am listing them in no particular order.

First, buy wine directly from the wineries of your choice. This is a no-brainer. Purchase by the case. Join a wine club or two. This is a direct way to benefit the people making the wine you love to drink.

If you want to donate funds, The Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund is a great way to go. The 501(c)3 public charity is providing grants for services including housing and legal assistance, as well as cash assistance to homeowners and renters affected by fires.

Here are a few additional organizations you can consider (I will update this list as conditions change):

The Redwood Credit Union Fire Relief Fund
Sonoma County Resilience Fund
California Fire Foundation

There will be an end to this fire, of course. But for now, people need our assistance. Let’s do what we can.

To close, I recommend this excellent piece, published in Wired. It is an awe-inspiring look at these fires and the men and women fighting and hoping to prevent them.