PLEASE SHARE: How to help the victims of the NSW fires.

By MAMAMIA TEAM

The NSW fires raging across the state have burned down hundreds of houses – and devastated hundreds of families.

It is almost impossible to imagine what it must feel like, to lose your house – your home. To lose almost everything. And it’s understandable that so many people want to help.

So, this is what you can do.

Make a monetary donation

The Salvation Army has released a statement saying that cash, not goods, are needed most for the bushfire response. Jeff Winterburn from The Salvation Army has released a response thanking members of the public for the help they have given so far.

“At this stage we are only accepting cash donations as this allows us to aid the community immediately,” Major Winterburn said. “This also allows the people affected to recover with dignity by purchasing items they need most which, in turn, also injects much needed funds into the local economy.”

If you would like to make a donation to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal, you can donate by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online, or by making a donation in person at any Westpac branch or Woolworths store.

The Australian Red Cross has similar advice for those wanting to help, and is asking for monetary donations instead of goods. You can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund here.

The NSW RFS also accept donations. You can donate directly to the NSW Rural Fire Service here.

Donate goods

If you cannot make a monetary donation but would like to do something to help, there have been calls on social media for the following items to be donated. Look for charity collections and drives in your area.

For residents affected by the fires:

Bottled water, and plenty of it
Empty boxes (including the reusable shopping bags)
Toiletries (ladies items included)
New underwear and socks
First aid items
Hand sanitizers
Long life food / milk
Batteries (AA and AAA)
Torches (and batteries suitable)
Baby items (nappies, nappy disposal bags, wipes, food, formula)

For the firefighters:

More bottled water
AA and AAA Batteries
Fruit
Muesli Bars
Cup of noodles
Up and Go
Jelly beans/red frogs/ chewing gum

For further details on the movement of the fires, you can follow the NSW Rural Fire Service on Twitter to remain up-to-date, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au  or call 1800 679 737. Our thoughts are with all the people whose houses may be in danger, or who has family living in these areas.

Lend a formal dress

An 18-year-old NSW teenager has started a Facebook page to help students who may have lost their formal dresses in the fires. She’s asking people with spare dresses to donate them – or even just lend them out for the night. You can get further details on the initiative here.

Please share this post to help raise awareness of how we can help those in need.