Tens of thousands of people – including A-list celebrities – have been evacuated following the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, leaving many wondering how to help those in need.
After a storm sparked bushfires on the morning of Tuesday, January 7, local residents were forced to leave their homes and behind business as widespread devastation impacted the Los Angeles community.
“This is the time to reach out to anyone living in Los Angeles who you think may be in some kind of traumatic shock and grief from the loss of their homes and the devastation of their neighborhoods and communities and offer your hand, home and resources,” Jamie Lee Curtis wrote via Instagram on Thursday, Jan. 9, along with aerial photos of the destruction in the area. “We will have to come together as perhaps never before in the City of Angels and help each other. And WE!
The Oscar winner donated $1 million to a relief fund, but even those who can’t afford to donate a blockbuster salary can help.
While GoFundMe created a central hub for all fundraising pages for those affected by the wildfire, other organizations including Salvation Army took action to provide assistance.
Scroll down to see resources on how to help those affected by the wildfires:
Los Angeles witnessed a frightening natural weather event – and its star community was hit hard. An extreme storm driven by Santa Ana’s gusts sparked fast-burning brush fires around 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, with drivers on Sunset Boulevard and Palisades Drive abandoning their cars to seek safety, according to (…)
How to help people get food and water
The non-profit organization World Central Kitchen provides food and water to both residents and first responders. “Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water while we identify all areas of need,” the organization said in statement.
How to help provide shelter
Katie Couric and Lea Michele are among the many celebrities who noted that the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is providing emergency shelter, food, water, health and mental health services to those affected. The shelter is located at the Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles.
“Forestfires can spread quickly and it’s important to prepare now and have your car ready; don’t wait until there is enough time to get your essentials,” the organization said in a statement.
The organization is accepting donations online by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
How to help with medical care
Direct Relief maintains communication with local health care providers and emergency management teams.
“The organization currently has medical assistance, including emergency medical supplies for first responders and displaced residents, as well as respiratory protective equipment, including N95 respirators, to mitigate health risks from smoke exposure,” the organization wrote in statement.
As wildfires continue to spread through the Los Angeles area, several celebrities are taking to social media to share how they’ve been affected. “Evacuated and safe with kids, dogs and cats. We are praying and grateful for the first responders,” Mandy Moore wrote in a Wednesday, Jan. 8, statement on her Instagram Story. In a follow-up post, she (…)
How to help firefighters
Camilla Morone encouraged Instagram followers to “help our LAFD firefighters” with Los Angeles Fire Department FoundationWildfire Emergency Fund. The organization supports local firefighters to fund emergency fire shelters, hydration packs and wildland brush tools.
The California Fire Foundation also provides support to surviving firefighters and their families by commemorating fallen firefighters, offering assistance to fire victims and scholarships for children of fallen firefighters.
The CAL FIRE Charitable Foundation also offers financial assistance to firefighters and their families, as well as support to burn victims and their families.
How to help animals
Sophia Bush and Kylie Jenner both shared a post tagging several animal shelters, including the Pasadena Humane Society, which is helping ensure pets are removed from wildfire areas and providing emergency services.
“If you are under an evacuation order, please take your pets with you. Get ready now. Pack a bag with your pet’s food (for at least five days), water, dishes, toys and any medications. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag in case it gets lost,” they said in statement.
The organization will have animal control officers on site at the Pasadena Convention Center to assist with the animals. If they need assistance, residents can call Animal Control at 626-792-7151 ext. 970.
The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles provides a pet shelter with Pierce College in Woodland Hills. Jessica Alba shared via Instagram that Dog Rescue Club is also looking for volunteers to temporarily foster dogs displaced by the wildfire.
Whether it’s Grammy winner Taylor Swift or star NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the biggest names in pop culture have made it their business to make the world a better place. It’s not unusual for celebrities to donate to charities – 34-year-old Swift has donated millions to causes close to her heart during her decades-long career (…)
How to help with essentials
Sports entertainment brand Set Active is accepting clothing donations for those affected by the fire via Direct message on Instagram. Mandy Patinkin and Jesse Williams shared Mutual Aid LA‘s information, which notes that The Anderson Munger Family YMCA and Koreatown YMCA Center for Community Well-Being are also accepting donations of items, including unopened food, clothing, blankets, emergency supplies and pet food.
Donations can be picked up at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA, 4301 W. 3rd St. in Los Angeles and at the Koreatown YMCA, 433 S. Vermont Ave. in Los Angeles.
Hailey Bieber shared via Instagram that Baby2Baby is also providing baby products for families affected by the fire by accepting donations online to their disaster relief and emergency response program.
Check it out LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources how to help those affected.
