Regional United Way starts fire recovery fund

United Way organizations in Southern California have launched the regional United Way Southern California Wildfires Recovery Fund.

David M. Smith, president and CEO for United Way of Ventura County, said, "This longterm recovery fund will support residents and communities for years to come in the hardest hit areas of the region."

The fund will focus on community needs. United Way will organize local volunteer committees that will review applications from support agencies and plan how to address the long-term needs of the communities affected by the fires.

United Way has also committed funds to bring in extra operators to staff the 211 lines. 211 is a phone number for people who need services or for those who want to offer help.

Financial donations can be made to the United Way Southern California Wildfires Recovery Fund at www.unitedway.org.

If interested in making in-kind donations, dial 211.

To volunteer, visit www .VolunteerVenturaCounty.org.

For more information, call Carol Williams at (858) 636-4177 or e-mail socalfund@uwsd.org.