South Bay Communities Gather Resources For Victims Of Maui Wildfire

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach City officials, local residents and businesses have come together to gather resources to aid those impacted by the devastating wildfire that has killed at least 96 people as of Monday morning.

Last week a brush fire broke out in Lahaina and forced thousands of residents out of their homes as the fire ripped through the town and reduced their lives to ashes. Many families lost homes that they had lived in for generations in the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in the last century.

In response to the news of widespread devastation, Manhattan Beach and South Bay officials came together to gather funds and resources to provide relief to the families in Maui who lost everything.

“I have heard from hundreds of Manhattan Beach residents and some Manhattan Beach businesses asking how they can help people in Maui affected by the wildfires,” stated Mayor Richard Montgomery. “In years past, the Manhattan Beach community has organized relief efforts for people in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas after they experienced devastating hurricanes. We are going to rally once again for the people of Hawaii during this undoubtedly difficult time.”

Residents and business owners Scott and Stacy Rusher of Rusherair have partnered with Sketchers, Chris Brown of the California Beach Volleyball Association and the Jimmy Miller Foundation to collect desperately needed items for the victims of the wildfires.

Those who wish to help can drop off warm weather clothing, baby clothes and diapers, sandals, towels, backpacks, bags, toiletries and reef-friendly sunscreen at the Rusherair Offices at 4435 West 153rd St. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, other South Bay agencies such as the El Segundo Police Department are participating in "Bit of Aloha" to gather critical resources for the town. The program was organized by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and aims to fill a shipping container with supplies in just four days starting Monday.

As of Tuesday, the volume of donations was enough to almost completely fill the shipping container, according to ESPD. Currently, the department is only accepting donations of coolers, empty gas cans and camping gear.

"We recently spoke to one of the ILWU coordinators and they are currently filling their last container and believe it will be full by the end of today," ESPD said on Facebook.

Residents should check with their local police departments to determine if they are accepting additional donations. The donations will be dropped off at the ILWU Memorial Hall in Wilmington on Thursday.

Josh Green, the Governor of Hawaii encouraged those who wish to make monetary donations to give to the Hawai'i Community Foundation.