Locals step up to help victims of Maui wildfires. Here's what they're doing
February 19, 2025Maui may be 2,500 miles away but the Hawaiian island is close to the hearts of many in Ventura County who have mobilized to help those ravaged by the wildfires.
The devastating fires erupted Aug. 8 and swept through the historic west Maui town of Lahaina and surrounding areas, killing more than 100 people, razing hundreds of structures and leaving thousands without shelter.
Whether collecting donations of goods or funds, area residents have stepped up. Here are some of their stories.
Maui Miracles from Simi Valley
Royal High senior Crystal Bateman is organizing a donation drop-off Saturday morning at a Simi Valley church.
The 17-year-old is calling her event Maui Miracles and will accept primarily goods for children 8 a.m. to noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 480 Sinaloa Road.
Bateman decided to put her efforts into the event after a leadership training at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum earlier this month. Her family visits nearby Kaanapali, Maui every year.
“It’s a special place,” said Bateman who estimated she’s traveled there 16 times.
Through contacts on Maui, the Simi Valley resident learned she should focus her efforts and opted for children’s items like blankets, books and toys.
“Kids would feel confused or sad because of the fire,” Bateman said. “I wanted to help.”
Bateman has started taking in items and hopes to fill 20 large moving boxes but won’t stop if more donations are received.
“So if we get more, we’re going to try do more,” she said.
Her collection site will also take other donated items although she’s prioritizing children’s goods. Donors who cannot attend the drop-off can email mauimiracle2023@gmail.com for other ways to donate.
Ventura’s Fluid State
A group affiliated with Ventura’s Fluid State Beer Garden organized a fundraising barbecue Monday and continues to collect funds directly to Maui locals.
The event grew out of a conversation among General Manager Brett Beckner, his girlfriend Carly Sheehan, bartender Tyme Good and his girlfriend Sol Chicoisne.
A Camarillo native, Sheehan spent two years working in Lahaina. When news of the fire broke, she stressed over the well being of friends and former co-workers.
“Everyone is luckily safe, but there area hundreds that are not,” Beckner said.
They organized their barbecue with about 200 friends, family and Fluid State patrons and raffled off items from other Ventura County businesses.
They’ve raised $2,500 so far and entrusted it to Maui resident Justin Pruniski who is purchasing what’s needed when it’s needed. He posts updates on his Instagram account @j.prunami. Fluid State owner Aaron Duncan said people can still make donations at online payment Venmo account Maui Wildfire Relief.
Meathead Movers in Oxnard
Through Sunday, moving company Meathead Movers will collect certain supplies at their business sites, including one in Oxnard, to ship to survivors through Los Angeles nonprofit Operation USA.
The moving company is taking bottled water, non-perishable food, baby formula and diapers at 1401 Maulhardt Ave., Oxnard. Donations can be dropped off in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
All items must be unopened with an expiration date of at least one year out. No items outside of the list will be accepted.
“We are in a unique position as a company to help facilitate the giving of truckloads of goods to those who need it most. We are ready to collect and transport the items safely and as quickly as possible,” said Aaron Steed, CEO of Meathead Movers in a news release. “Let’s fill those trucks.”
