California Wildfires - How to Get Involved with Aid & Relief Efforts

Pray. Stay. Raise. Go.

At Baylor University, our commitment to community extends beyond the classroom and into times of crisis. We recognize that in the face of disaster, our collective strength lies in thoughtful and responsible action. As a vibrant educational institution, we understand the importance of supporting those in need while respecting the expertise of trained first responders. Together, we can provide meaningful assistance, whether through prayer, raising awareness, or mobilizing when the time is right. Here’s how we can all contribute to the healing and recovery process:

1. We pray for those impacted
2. We stay put and let those who are trained and qualified to first respond
3. We raise awareness and funds that support those on the front lines
4. We go when it is safe and stable for our volunteers to helpfully serve

As Baylor University faculty, staff, and students, we are not equipped to be first responders. We know that is not our role as members of an educational institution. We are here to serve and support within our abilities and resources. This is our work to do and we are doing something. And we will go when we can.

BearAid Disaster Relief

Response following a disaster typically unfolds in four critical stages: rescue, relief, recovery, and rebuild. Baylor University is best positioned to help in the relief and recovery stages. BearAid, Baylor's disaster relief team of students, faculty, and staff, is assessing the situation and will communicate further steps if necessary.

To get involved in the stages of BearAid response program for various disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts, fill out our interest form or join our group on Connect. To stay updated on upcoming opportunities to volunteer, follow Baylor Missions, Service & Public Life on social media. 

Donate & Support

If you would like to provide immediate financial assistance to relief efforts in areas impacted by the wildfires, you may want to consider one of the listed organizations/campaigns below. While many of these organizations are focused on immediate relief efforts by providing shelter and supplies, some specialize in providing medical care and aid for those impacted. 

Monetary donations should only be made to fully vetted sites and organizations. Charity Navigator provides information on organizations, as well as ratings for more than 9,000 charities.

Note: While Baylor University is supportive of the relief efforts currently being conducted by these organizations, Baylor University is not affiliated with them. 

Online Financial Donation Sites/Campaigns

Our team is monitoring the responses of other organizations and will update this list as more options become available.

• Texans on Mission
  • (Formerly known as Texas Baptist Men)
  • To donate
• Matthew 25: Ministries
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
  • To donate
• Convoy of Hope
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
  • To donate
• American Red Cross
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
  • To donate
• All Hands and Hearts Smart Response
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
  • To donate
• Episcopal Relief & Development
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
  • To donate
• Americares
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
  • To donate
• Catholic Charities
  • To donate

Other ways to help

• GIVE - Giving money is one of the best ways you can immediately respond. Support relief agencies that are responding directly to help individuals and communities affected.
• LEARN - Follow news coverage and take time to learn what the needs are. Follow social media and stay tuned to reports from the scene. Responders will be quick to share what is needed (and what is not). Don't show up to volunteer uninvited, as your presence may interfere with recovery efforts and distract responders. Once you learn what the needs are, there are several ways you can help (e.g., donate blood, hold a collection drive for requested items, etc.)
• PREPARE - Do you have a desire to be more hands-on? Consider training to become a disaster response volunteer. Invest in learning valuable skills, knowledge, and protocol so that agencies can deploy you to help when disaster strikes.
• PRAY - Lift up the individuals, families, and communities affected in prayer. Pray for God's comfort and mercy, His healing and protection, His relief and restoration. Recovery is often a long-term process and continues long after the media leaves.

Additional Resources

Do your research to determine if organizations are legitimate. Charity Navigator lists reputable organizations. Great Nonprofits and Give Well have reviews of nonprofit groups and can help you see how much of your money goes directly to relief.