Wildfires continue to ravage the California coast, leaving devastation in their wake. At least 24 lives have been tragically lost, and approximately 180,000 Los Angeles residents have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
While the exact cause of these wildfires Is not yet known (though there have been some speculations online), the relentless Santa Ana Winds and persistently dry weather have only fanned the flames and prevented aircraft mobility for the firefighters, limiting crews to battling the wildfires on the ground.
So far, the destruction from the fires has been harrowing. Natural sanctuaries like Temescal Canyon have been destroyed, and flames are inching dangerously close to iconic landmarks like Sunset Boulevard.
Several people have also been treated for burns, and as of Monday (January 13th), at least 24 people have been confirmed dead.
If you’ve been watching this tragedy unfold and wondering how you can help, EmilyCottontop has reviewed and vetted organizations aiding relief efforts. Below is a list of verified charities assisting the Los Angeles community and victims of the wildfires with recovery and support.
Click on the names of each for more information on how you can help. Every contribution, no matter how small, can bring hope and relief to those facing unimaginable loss.
Support For Families, Students, And Outdoor Workers
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The Black Music Action Coalition has announced an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on residents and small businesses of the Los Angeles area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. The organization has created a dedicated fund with 100% of the monies received going directly to relief efforts.
Inclusive Action for the City has launched a GoFundMe to offer cash relief for outdoor workers affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The emergency fund (which currently has over $87,000) will provide $500 in cash assistance directly to “open-air workers,” i.e., people whose jobs require them to work outside, including street vendors and recyclers.
The LAUSD Education Emergency Relief Fund is offering critical support to families and employees affected by the devastating Los Angeles fires. This fund aims to:
• Provide direct cash assistance to families and LAUSD employees impacted by the fires.
• Ensure continuity of learning by supplying in-class resources to students at affected schools.
• Offer flexible mental health support to help those coping with the emotional toll of the disaster.
• Address immediate and long-term needs of students, families, and teachers as they rebuild and recover.
Essential Items For Families And Communities In Need
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World Central Kitchen: Delivering sandwiches, warm meals, and water to first responders and affected families.
Dream Center: Operating an evacuation center for displaced residents.
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles: Providing food, shelter, water, and health services, including mental health support.
Baby2Baby: Supplying essentials like diapers, clothing, emergency kits, and hygiene products through community partners.
Friends In Deed: Offering shelter and support to homeless and at-risk community members.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Assisting communities in rebuilding after the fires.
Support For First Responders
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Donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation will support over 3,000 local firefighters and paramedics responding in real-time to protect lives, homes, and communities. The donations will also help buy the proper equipment and tools for firefighters to effectively battle the wildfires.
The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire departments and community-based organizations to offer direct financial aid to affected L.A residents. The nonprofit organization is also providing critical support to firefighters and surviving families of fallen firefighters and the communities they serve.
Direct Relief is working with local agencies to deliver medical aid to first responders battling the fires and displaced residents.
The Los Angeles Mid/Long-Term Relief
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The Pasadena Community Foundation has launched the Eaton Canyon Fire Recovery & Relief Fund to support resilience and immediate and long-term recovery initiatives in the Los Angeles County cities of Pasadena and Altadena.
The California Community Foundation, through its Wildfire Recovery Fund, is supporting intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for those affected by the fires.
The PLUS1LA Fires Fund will help nonprofits provide shelter and care to displaced communities, including PPE to prevent smoke inhalation, food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and mental health support for those coping with trauma. Over the long term, the organization will support efforts to aid individuals, families, and communities recover from the destruction.
Volunteering Efforts
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Project Angel Food is urgently seeking volunteers to assist with kitchen work and meal deliveries over the next several days. To lend a hand, contact Volunteers@angelfood.org to get started.
Los Angeles Animal Services is making an urgent appeal for fosters and adopters to help free up space in overcrowded shelters for displaced animals. Adoption fees are waived through January 12, and you can visit their foster page to sign up or adopt a pet today.
OBKLA (Our Big Kitchen LA) is in immediate need of volunteers to help prepare hot meals for firefighters, emergency personnel, and those affected by the fires. If you’re interested in helping, email info@obkla.org to get involved.
If you have more stuff than cash, several organizations and city officials are accepting essential supplies to support families and individuals affected by the fires. Please avoid dropping donations at fire stations, shelters, or unlisted locations.
YMCA Locations Accepting Donations
The YMCA is collecting essential items at these locations:
- Koreatown Center for Community Well-Being
- Address: 433 S. Vermont Ave.
- Westchester YMCA
- Address: 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
City Council Donation Locations
Councilmember Traci Park
- Council District 11 Office
- Location: 7166 W. Manchester Avenue, Westchester
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Items Requested:
- Individually wrapped items
- Non-perishable goods
- Personal hygiene products
- Canned goods
- Baby food
- Dog food
- Water and Gatorade
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez
- North Valley Caring Services Food Pantry
- Location: 15453 Rayen Street, North Hills
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Items Requested:
- Non-perishable foods
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Diapers and wipes
- Microwaves
- Fresh produce (only drop off on Thursdays)
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson
- It’s Bigger Than Us
- Location: 4308 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Items Requested (new items only):
- Men, women, and children’s clothing
- Air mattresses
- Bedding
- Toiletries
- Non-perishable foods
Every donation, no matter how small, plays a significant role in helping our community recover and rebuild during this challenging time.
