Los Angeles County's devastating firestorm, particularly those impacting communities such as Pacific Palisades, Altadena Pasadena Sylmar and Hollywood has rendered thousands of residents without homes or basic necessities - over 28,000 acres have been scorched while over 2,000 buildings destroyed; therefore there is great need for assistance and there are several ways that individuals and groups alike can offer support by way of money, materials or time donations - below we list several solutions which could assist those affected by this catastrophe.

 

Main Ways to Help

Donating Money to Help:

One main way of helping is donating directly to organizations like the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, American Red Cross or California Fire Foundation which offer immediate aid for firefighters and victims alike.

Donating physical goods:

Donate food, clothing, pet supplies and hygiene items at local drop-off points like YMCA Koreatown and Pasadena Humane to support local nonprofits like these two.

Volunteer:

Donate your time and talents by volunteering for organizations like the Red Cross or Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), who require volunteers to distribute supplies and assist evacuees during disaster situations.

Specialized Drives:

Get involved with campaigns like Set Active's clothing drive (Donate via Instagram) or donate through GoFundMe for verified fundraisers to support those affected by disasters.

 

For more detailed information on each option, please continue reading below.

Monetary Donations to Support Emergency Relief Efforts

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation:

Donations made to this foundation provide firefighters with essential equipment such as fire shelters and hydration packs for emergencies. Donations can be made online.

American Red Cross:

Donations can help provide food, shelter, health services, and emotional support to evacuees. You can donate by calling (800) 733-2767, texting REDCROSS to 90999, or donating online.

California Fire Foundation:

This organization provides relief and support to individuals and communities affected by wildfires across California, such as Los Angeles County. Monetary donations go directly to those impacted.

GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund:

This platform hosts verified fundraising pages set up for individuals and organizations affected by fires; donations here provide direct cash assistance to victims directly.

Donating Clothing, Hygiene Products and Supplies.

YMCA's:

These locations are accepting donations of food, clothing, blankets and emergency supplies at either Anderson Munger Family YMCA or Koreatown YMCA locations. Donations may also be dropped off there for pickup.

Pasadena Humane:

Along with accepting financial contributions, Pasadena Humane is also accepting food, water bowls, crates and blankets for homeless pets in need of temporary homes.

Lagartijas Climbing Cru:

This BIPOC climbing club is collecting sleeping bags, dehydrated meals, and fuel donations for fire victims in California. You can sign up online to make donations.

Volunteer Your Time

Red Cross Volunteers:

The Red Cross is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with shelter and aid efforts. Prior to volunteering, complete training. Sign up online today!

Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE):

CORE is providing essential supplies such as masks and emergency go-bags. Volunteers are needed to distribute supplies and assist shelter efforts. You can make an online donation today to support their work!

Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund:

Volunteers can support firefighters and their families by making donations to this fund, which provides both financial and emotional assistance.

Donations and Drives

Set Active

Set Active is currently accepting clothing donations to benefit fire victims in need. Reach out directly via Instagram direct message in order to arrange drop-off.

Salvation Army

Donations made to The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Fund will assist those impacted with shelter, food, and personal items they require during disaster situations. Donations can be made online or sent directly to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief via mail.

World Central Kitchen

This organization provides meals to displaced families and first responders displaced during disasters; you can support their efforts through online donations to this cause.

 

Animal Welfare Support

Canine Rescue Club:

For this network to thrive, volunteers are needed to temporarily foster displaced dogs. You can apply to foster by filling out an online application.

Pasadena Humane:

This organization has taken in over 100 animals since assisting with animal evacuations last November and are accepting pet supplies or financial donations as they receive assistance with animal evacuation efforts.

Corporate and Local Contributions 

GoFundMe:

 GoFundMe has established the Wildfire Relief Fund as a central hub to facilitate donations to victims of wildfires. Donations made via this channel go directly to individuals, small businesses and community organizations affected.

All Power Books:

This local bookstore is collecting essential supplies for fire victims and mutual aid organizations at 11 am until 7 pm at their location in Anacortes. Donations can be ale dropped off between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 4749 W Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles 90016

Long-Term Recovery and Support.

United Way of Greater Los Angeles:

Through long-term recovery efforts to assist low-income individuals and families, United Way is working on rebuilding efforts within communities ravaged by natural disaster. Donations made will support this vital mission.

California Community Foundation: 

California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund helps distribute grants to communities most at-risk after recent fires in California. You can donate online or mail in a check.

Food and Emergency Supplies (for emergencies)

 

Baby2Baby:

This organization provides essential supplies such as diapers, formula and hygiene items as well as disaster relief assistance through their Disaster Response and Emergency Response Program to families of young children affected by natural disasters or emergencies. Financial donations made towards this program will assist these families.

Direct Relief: 

Direct Relief of California (DRCA) has been providing medical supplies such as N95 masks to fire victims affected by California wildfires. If you'd like to donate toward their Wildfire Response Fund efforts, click here!

Donate to Local Community-Based Organizations

People's Struggle San Fernando Valley:

 This grassroots organization provides transportation for fire victims as well as essential supplies through Venmo donations that support their efforts. Donations made via Venmo support their work.

Other Ways of Contributing

Escalemos:

This Latinx climbing community has established a GoFundMe page to assist climbers who were affected by the fire by offering replacement climbing equipment through donations. 

 

Every act of generosity--financial, volunteerism or donation goods--plays an instrumental part in helping these communities recover from disaster and rebuild lives. Your generosity can enable those impacted to move on with life again.