Source: New York Times

As bushfires continue to burn in Australia, thousands of dollars in donations are still pouring in, but people and animals are still suffering, losing their lives and the places they’ve called home for years.

Reports say at least 22 people have died, along with half a billion animals. More than 1700 homes have been destroyed in the fires.

Though donations of food and clothing have been welcomed, local organizers and helpers are urging the donations of money more than anything else. It can be difficult to organize and sort through physical donations, while money can help with planning, transporting and acquiring the exact resources that are needed to help those affected in the region.

Monetary donations can be made to Red Cross in Australia and to GIVIT, a local org that funnels the donations into the resources that are needed on the grounds.

If you can’t donate money, here’s what local shelters need:

At this stage, Foodbank is requesting the following items:

• Bottled water
• UHT milk
• Breakfast cereals
• Good quality tinned foods and meals (with ring pulls)
• Pasta, rice and noodles
• Grab-and-go foods like muesli bars
• Pet food

Read Full Story: New York Times