With thousands of Los Angeles County residents forced to evacuate as the Palisades fire, Eaton fire and the Hurst fire burn through the region, local organizations are mobilizing to help displaced residents.
Organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting online cash or check donations. While supply donations are welcome, cash is often more helpful because it could avoid storage issues and allow for quicker responses to immediate needs, Red Cross national hotline representative Angela Rodriguez said.
For map, see: Where the Eaton, Hurst and Palisades fires are burning in Southern California
For those looking to help emergency responders and residents, the organizations listed below are taking donations.
California Fire Foundation
The foundation is taking donations at cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation to provide aid and resources for both fire crews and residents.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is accepting donations online. The organization plays a role in disaster recovery by providing emergency shelters, meals, medical care, and recovery planning services. To contribute, see redcross.org/donate/donation.html.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is the official nonprofit of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. The organization supports over 3,000 local firefighters and paramedics by providing equipment and tools to help them fight wildfires effectively. Donations to the foundation can be made at supportlafd.org/donate/.
Teladoc
The virtual medical service Teledoc is providing free 24/7 virtual medical care from licensed healthcare professionals for any non-emergency illness by calling Teladoc Health directly at 855-225-5032. Additionally, those who may need help with authorization for non-narcotic drugs can also get assistance. The free services are for first responders, Southern California residents and anyone else who may be affected by the fires.
The Salvation Army
Donations are being accepted at socal.salvationarmy.org/southern-california/california-wildfires/ for wildfire relief efforts in Southern California. The Salvation Army has trained staff that is mobilizing to provide food, water, shelter and other needed resources.
California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation is accepting donations at calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/ toward its Wildfire Recovery Fund to aid those affected by the fires. The nonprofit has provided more than $32 million in relief to victims of wildfire since 2003, according to the foundation’s website.
Planet Fitness
The gym chain is providing access to showers and its facilities at no cost to firefighters and residents displaced by fires. A gym membership is not required to access the facilities participating. For information and hours of operation, see planetfitness.com/gyms.
Friends in Deed
Friends in Deed is accepting online donations at friendsindeedpas.org/donate-to-friends-in-deed/ to support its efforts to help homeless and at-risk neighbors. This organization has set up an adults-only shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pasadena, open Wednesday, Jan. 8, through Friday, Jan. 10, to provide aid and support to residents affected by the fires.
LA Dream Center
The Los Angeles-based community organization is serving as an evacuation center for residents forced to leave their homes due to the fires. The Dream Center is accepting credit- and debit-card donations in any amount online at dreamcenter.org. In a Jan. 7 Instagram post, the center said it has an ample supply of food, clothing and toiletries for those it expects to assist.
LA Food Bank-Food Assistance after Fires, Earthquakes and other Disasters
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provides year-round food assistance to those facing hunger and also acts as a first responder during natural disasters. They are currently accepting online donations to support their efforts.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California providing water and sandwiches to first responders and families. World Central Kitchen Chef Corps members are on standby to make full meals to deliver when possible.
SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education have joined forces with the nonprofit SupplyBank.org to gather and distribute donations and emergency resources to school communities most affected by the wildfires. Donations can be made directly through the nonprofit’s website.
LA Fire Donation Drive
Hermosa Beach residents have organized a donation drive seeking clothing for all ages, new hygiene products, food, bottled water and baby formula, blankets, sleeping bags and bedding, books, puzzles, games, phone chargers and extension cords. Donation hours are from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 and Friday, Jan. 10; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Guidestone Church, 730 11th St., Hermosa Beach. Moving boxes, crates and banquet tables are also needed. Volunteers are welcome. For information, text Liz Tyndorf at 480-273-1597.
American Martyrs
The Manhattan Beach-based church is collecting donations Thursday, Jan. 9 and Friday, Jan. 10, at 1431 Deegan Pl., Manhattan Beach. Needs include clothing, including new or gently used shoes, hygiene product, non-perishable food and water, blankets, pillows and sleeping bags. They are also accepting books, puzzles, playing cards and games. Items should be dropped off by Friday morning. Donations will be delivered to Loyola High School.
Project Angel Food
Project Angel Food is looking for volunteers to deliver meals or work in the kitchen at Amped Kitchens, 230 West Ave. 26, Los Angeles. The kitchen is open Sunday through Friday. Volunteer shifts are from 8:15 a.m. to noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Information: [email protected]; 323-845-1816.
Restoration Life Christian Church
Restoration Life Church, 4234 W. 147th St., in Lawndale is opening its fellowship hall to receive supplies for first responders in the LA County fires. Cases of water, energy drinks, protein bars and snacks are needed. Contact Phil Burrow for more information: 305-951-2133
Team Rubicon
Volunteers are needed for the national disaster response organization Team Rubicon. Apply here.
Project HOPE
Health and humanitarian organization Project HOPE is assessing conditions in shelters, coordinating with government officials and local organizations and is prepared to support local shelters, health workers, and marginalized communities to help with shelter and mental health needs. Donate at projecthope.org/lafires
This list will be updated as more information is available.