ETSU Response
Fires in Hawaii
Devasting fires have burned across the Big Island and Maui. At least 36 people have died due to the fast-moving wildfires, which have been fanned by strong winds associated with Hurricane Dora. Local communication has been shut down and homes and historic buildings have been destroyed, including the popular Maui tourist destination Lahaina town.
Maui hospitals are overwhelmed with patients suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Thousands of people have evacuated or been displaced. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, but local officials warn that the death toll could rise as more information becomes available.
Ways to Help
The following have been identified as organizations where donations can be made. Please review the webpages for more detailed information on how the organization serves the community.
American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii.html
Salvation Army Hawaii
https://hawaii.salvationarmy.org/
Hawaii Community Foundation
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/
Maui Humane Society
https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/
Maui United Way
https://mauiunitedway.org/
How to avoid charity scams
- Check out any organization seeking donations through the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Guidestar.
- Ask questions on how and who will benefit from your donation. Resist pressure to give on the spot.
- If you are asked for a donation through text or email, contact the charity or nonprofit directly to verify the request.
- If you give through an app or website, ask if it is going directly to the organization.
- Don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.
- Avoid giving cash.
- Always try to get a receipt for your donations and ask if it is tax deductible.
- If a paid fundraiser asks you for a donation, ask how much is kept by the fundraiser and how much goes to the nonprofit.
ETSU Support Services
The ETSU community provides support services for students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected by this disaster. The ETSU Dean of Students office is reaching out to offer to support and offer assistance to students who have home addresses listed in areas impacted.
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may access the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and is located on the 3rd floor of the DP Culp Center. Telehealth/Zoom services are also available. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7/365 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 to speak to a counselor.
Student veterans who may have questions or need support are welcome to reach out to the ETSU Veteran’s Affairs office.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff who need counseling support and referral to other resources.
Student Organization Efforts
Leadership and Civic Engagement, housed within the Ronald and Edith J. Carrier Center, is serving as a clearinghouse for student response efforts. For more information, you may contact serve@etsu.edu