NEW YORK – People in the Tri-state area are asking how they can help those who have lost everything the Los Angeles wildfires.
Whether supplies or hands, the help for those in California is desperately needed.
You can find a list of organizations providing assistance to those affected in Southern California here.
Sending care packages to fire victims in Los Angeles
At Americares in Stamford, Connecticut, workers prepare boxes of urgently needed supplies to go to Southern California continues to struggle with raging forest fires.
Americares says their most requested item is hygiene kits that provide relief from this displaced by the fires and now living in shelters. The organization says they have thousands of supply packages ready to go in their trucks.
“In addition to hygiene supplies, people often don’t bring enough medications… We also have respiratory medications ready to go,” said Julie Varughese, CMO of Americares.
New York entrepreneur Lisa Richards says several of her relatives in California have lost their homes. In an effort to make a difference, she sends care packages directly to those who need it. Her Instagram posts offering help have gone viral.
“We sent everything from kitchen utensils to shampoo, conditioner, shower caps, sweatshirts and clothing,” Richards said.
“We have people all over the country looking for ways to help… And it can happen to all of us in so many ways,” Varughese said.
Volunteers move from Tri-State Area to California
In addition to the supplies, Red Cross volunteers are also undertaking a boots-on-the-ground initiative.
On Thursday, Anne Leahy flew from Newark to Los Angeles to volunteer at a shelter for people displaced by the fires.
“More than anything, it’s a lot of moral support. They know that people are there for them, and hopefully we’ll get them into permanent situations,” she said.
At age 74, Leahy said she didn’t want to sit in her New Jersey home while thousands in California lose their homes.
“I think there’s going to be a lot more need, so I’m happy to be a part of it. Even if it’s a small part, I’ll be there,” she said.
Raise money to donate to people in need
New York and Los Angeles may be more than 2,000 miles apart, but the ties between the two cities are endless, especially for those in the arts and entertainment industries.
“We know that a lot of these people, now that we’re hearing about it, have been evacuated or lost their homes, and it’s really heartbreaking to see that happen to someone. a little more at home when it’s someone you know,” says Paul Italia, owner of the Stand Comedy Club near Union Square.
The club is donating a portion of the proceeds from its shows this month to the Red Cross in support of California and will host a benefit show next Thursday with all proceeds donated.
“I think we all want to think in situations like this: What else can we do, right?” Italy said.
Channeling that feeling of hopelessness into help.
