OPRAH WINFREY: Promises “Major” Maui Donation

Oprah Winfrey has been spending time at shelters in Maui handing out supplies to people who lost everything in the devastating wildfires, and is promising to make “a major donation” soon.

Oprah shared a video on Instagram and said, “You know what this week has taught me is that when you don’t know what to do…you do whatever you can. I went to visit one of the big shelters here at the War Memorial [Stadium] and asked people what it is they needed and then went shopping for some things, some, you know, basic things like towels and sheets and shampoo and other necessities. And at some point, I will make a major donation after all of the smoke and ash have settled here and we figure out what the rebuilding is going to look like.”

According to local officials, the death toll from the fires is at 96 and could still rise. At least 2,700 houses and buildings have been destroyed. Oprah added, “There is such an incredible spirit going on in this entire community. I know that, long after the camera crews are gone and the rest of the world has moved on, the rebuilding will just begin. And Hawaiians are a strong cultural people and a family-loving people and with the help and support, you’re going to hear a lot of Phoenix stories rising from the ashes here.”