More than 20,000 residences were forced to evacuate as the Carr Fire burns through Redding, emergency relief efforts are underway.

After Shasta High School evacuation center was threatened Thursday The Salvation Army is serving meals at Shasta Community College after having to shut down the evacuation center at Shasta High School when that location was threatened Thursday.

The Salvation Army provides short- and long-term assistance to people displaced by disasters. This includes meals and vouchers for evacuees as well as housing or rental assistance.

Monetary donations are the most effective way to contribute to relief, Sydney Fong of Salvation Army said. While food and clothing are part of the equation, storage and distribution can be a challenge for relief organizations.

Here’s are some ways you can help now:

• Salvation Army is not yet requesting volunteers, but you can make a monetary donation and see updates on the Redding relief efforts and their evolving needs at GoSalArmy.org. Check back later to see if volunteers are needed.
• Donate to The Salvation Army’s Redding fire recovery efforts fund here.
• The Red Cross assists fire evacuees. The organization can also use donations; you can give online by clicking here, calling 800-RED-CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
• United Way of Northern California is accepting donations for their Shasta County Wildfire Relief Fund. Previous relief funds have gone toward individuals’ needs as well as community efforts, such as rebuilding libraries and community centers, the United Way said. Donate to the United Way Shasta County Wildfire Relief Fund here.
• Give to a California food bank that’s helping victims, but first, call and make sure they need donations. Find your local food bank here.
• If you are a medical or health worker in the area, find information on how to qualify and register to be a Disaster Healthcare Volunteer in Shasta County.