Chicago Red Cross sends 2 dozen to help wildfire victims

While Southern California continues to burn, local volunteers have begun arriving to help.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Chicago Area has already deployed more than two dozen disaster relief workers over the last two days and more are on their way, said spokeswoman Martha Dittmar. It's a mix of volunteers and Red Cross employees who are helping to staff shelters and feed victims, Dittmar said.

More then 350,000 homes have been evacuated since Tuesday, with flames charring about 600 square miles, killing one, destroying more than 1,800 homes and prompting evacuations on the scale of a major hurricane from north of Los Angeles, through San Diego to the Mexican border. Forty-five people have been injured, including at least 21 firefighters.

Even in areas miles away from the fires, residents report thick yellow smoke filling the sky. Some have decided to stay indoors, and a few who decide to venture out are wearing masks to breathe easier.

Check back later for more on what Chicago-area residents are doing to help, and how the public can chip in.

How to help California wildfire victims

American Red Cross: Web site www.redcross.org has information on donating cash, blood and good and volunteering. Donations can also be made by calling (800) 733-2767 or (800) 257-7575 for Spanish speakers. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund can also be mailed to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

The Salvation Army: Donate online at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services: To offer non-cash donations, call (800) 750-2858.

Network for Good: The nonprofit charitable giving clearinghouse has links to donate to the San Diego Foundation's After-the-Fire Fund; the Volunteer San Diego Disaster Program; the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, which helps rescue pets; and other sites. Go to www.networkforgood.blogspot.com.