Nearly everyone in California knows someone who is in the path of the LA fires, or who has already lost everything in the flames.
Reports are constantly changing, but it is currently estimated that more than 40,000 people have been displaced by one of the numerous wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area this week. And they need your help.
If you’re reading this, our challenge to YOU ​​is to donate $25 directly to a victim of the fires. We know from previous wildfires in California that donating directly to people has much more impact than donating to a large organization like the Red Cross.
People who have lost everything need support NOW. They need to buy new clothes, toiletries, pet supplies, electronics, medicine and meals. Later they will have to rearrange their lives and find new housing.
Impactful ways to donate to Palisades fire victims now
1. Donate to GoFundMe pages to help individuals
HERE is a running list of all known GoFundMe pages. Choose a family you would like to donate that $25 to.
If you have a GoFundMe page or know someone who does, please comment below with the link so anyone reading this can start supporting directly.
2. Send money to fire victims for immediate relief
Cash is king. Immediately after being displaced by wildfires, cash is the most impactful way to provide support so these people can buy all the essentials they need to get through the day.
If you know someone personally, send them that $25 via Venmo or PayPal (or more, if you can afford it).
3. Gift cards provide a way to purchase food and supplies
Gift cards are an easy way to provide support to individuals if you don’t know their Venmo or PayPal information. You can send digital gift cards via email, text message or even via a link (for example, you can send them to someone you follow on Instagram).
Useful gift voucher ideas:
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Door Dash: so that someone can buy food, coffee, etc
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Direct shopping cart: to run errands once they are in a safe, evacuated location
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Goal: to buy anything, from clothing, pet supplies, beauty items, etc
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Amazon: Useful when people can’t go to a store to buy goods, but they can ship supplies to them
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Nuuly subscription: best for people who still have to go to work and need polished outfits for a few weeks (months) until they can restock their wardrobe
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Best Buy: for lost electronics (computer, chargers, phone, etc.)
Los Angles Fire
4. Consider volunteering with local community organizations
Again, instead of donating to the Red Cross, consider donating directly to local, community organizations with money or your volunteer time.
HERE is an ongoing list of local shelters and organizations in urgent need of help rebuilding, or volunteers to support their efforts. This list also includes resources for free meals from restaurants, housing and pet boarding facilities, free supplies, and other resources.
This post will be updated as more resources and information become available to share.
The current status of the wildfires in Los Angeles is record-breaking
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Palisades Fire (17,000 acres)
