Donations For San Francisco Mission Fire Victims Surpass $160K

More than $160,000 in donations have been raised for victims of a deadly fire in San Francisco.

The Salvation Army says 38 fire victims -- families who have lost everything -- are still living at a shelter. Organizers who are helping raise money to help victims get back on their feet say every dollar counts, which is why they are working to get fundraising website GoFundMe to waive its fees.

"I'd like to see something from GoFundMe, even if it is a willingness to negotiate," said Zack Crockett, a neighbor who started a page on the website to raise donations for fire victims.

Maria Nunenz, who was displaced from the blaze, does not know where she will raise her 2-year-old daughter, Jania.

"I need to be able to have a place to be with my daughter," she said while fighting back tears.

GoFundMe says it takes 5 percent of each donation and its payment processor takes another 2.9 percent.

"Unfortunately, if we began waiving fees on a regular basis, there would be no way for us to build and maintain the website," the San Diego-based company said in a statement.

In addition to the GoFundMe page, businesses in San Francisco are providing financial help for the victims.

South Paw BBQ on Monday night donated 10 percent of its sales.

Crockett said he will close the GoFundMe page when it reaches $200,000 or on Friday. He is also working on a distribution plan to hand out donations to fire victims by the end of the month.

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