This past week has been devastating for Southern California residents due to the horrific wildfires that have been plaguing Los Angeles. I am heartbroken for all those affected, especially for the families of the 16 people who have died. There’s so much destruction and loss – as of last night, more than 12,000 homes and structures have been destroyed and roughly 40,000 acres have been burned (an area larger than the entire city of San Francisco).
As each day passes (we are now on day six), I find it difficult to watch the wall-to-wall coverage of the news, but there have been some rays of sunshine in the form of our community coming together during this natural disaster to help each other. Stories like how Juan (food blogger known as @rocknrollfoodie), who started a call to action on social media giving out free food in the Rose Bowl Stadium parking lot, which led to countless people showing up to donate food, water and other supplies for fire victims.
Seeing the LA community of organizers, volunteers, neighbors, and friends rally together to donate their time, money and efforts is so inspirational. We can only move forward when we are stronger together.
For those who would like to donate, here’s a list of organizations that are helping victims of wildfires:
- California Community Foundation: Works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide support.
- Direct Relief: Helping deliver life-saving medicine to those affected by wildfires.
- LAFD Foundation: Aid LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies.
- Pasadena Humane: Help purchase medical supplies for animals suffering from the wildfires.
- World Central Kitchen: Meal distribution to communities impacted by the wildfires.
I’ve heard that a lot of places that were accepting donations, like water, packaged food, gently used clothing, etc. are at capacity. To that end, if you’d like to donate your time and volunteer in-person, listed below is a short list of places in the San Fernando Valley and Pasadena area.
- Composed Giving in Woodland Hills
- Neighbors and Friends in Pasadena
- Santa Anita Park in Arcadia
- Hope the Mission in Chatsworth / North Hills
- Hand Brewed Beer in Chatsworth
There are countless other organizations in the SoCal area, and I encourage you to do your own research if you’d like to volunteer in another neighborhood.
Be well and stay safe!
Disclosure: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
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My heart breaks for California. Seeing all the houses burn, the people crying…I can’t even imagine. And hearing that insurance companies canceled when it was all happening? Awful. Thank you so much for this list.
Amber Myers recently posted…Get Cozy With The Oodie
It’s so hard to see all those homes burning down. I couldn’t imagine at all. I’m glad there are ways we can all help out too. I’ll make sure to share this as well to get the word out.
It’s awful to see all of the devastation and to hear how many have lost their homes and lives. Spreading the word about where donations can be made will help greatly. Hopefully the fires will be put out soon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those lost everything in California from the fires.
Laura Letson recently posted…The Miracle in the Woods
I have had friends evacuate their home and then return yesterday and have opened up their home to family members who have evacuated their homes (near the Eaton fire).. it was tough hearing their stories but i know being able to share it helps and also knowing help is there ..
saw this on another FB group that you could add to your list if you think it will help – https://www.pacificsurfliner.com/offers/promotions/Assist/
Wow, this is so heartbreaking. The destruction from these wildfires is just unimaginable—it’s so hard to wrap your head around everything people are going through. But honestly, seeing stories like Juan’s and how the community is stepping up to help is so inspiring.
My heart goes out to everyone in Southern California affected by the wildfires. The scale of destruction is unimaginable, and it’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the loss of lives and homes.
Thank you for sharing these resources! The wildfires have been so devastating and I have been keeping up with the news as much as I can. It is good that the community and beyond has come together.
Thanks for sharing resources, it sure is heartbreaking on what’s going on in LA. Its good people are helping each other