How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires
Organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross are accepting donations for the relief efforts
Eric Thayer/Getty
A firefighter battles flames from the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los AngelesThe current wildfires that continue to spread across parts of Southern California have prompted tens of thousands to evacuate and resulted in at least two fatalities and the destruction of over 1,000 structures as of Wednesday, Jan. 8.
As the situation is still unfolding, here’s how you can help in the relief efforts for displaced residents and first responders.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides emergency support for those impacted by wildlife fires — from providing basic needs such as meals and first aid to temporary housing for those who fled from a blaze or face property damage. The organization also provides donations and grants to those who have been displaced or lost their homes, belongings and/or job due to a wildfire. For more information on the Salvation Army’s wildfire relief efforts and to donate, visit their webpage.
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The Red Cross
A gift to the Red Cross will help provide assistance such as shelter for families, delivery of relief supplies and meals and support for emergency responders. Among the organization’s previous wildfire efforts included the 2023 Hawaii wildfires and the 2018 California wildfires. To donate, visit their webpage, which also contains information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire.
Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Closes for First Time Since COVID Pandemic as L.A. Fires Rage On
California Fire Foundation
The Sacramento-based foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to help those affected by the wildfires. Visit their page to make a donation.
World Central Kitchen
The organization spearheaded by Chef José Andrés has a relief team in Southern California to assist impacted first responders and families by providing them meals. To donate to WCK’s wildfire relief efforts, click here.
Direct Relief
A humanitarian organization, Direct Relief’s previous wildfire responses in California have included providing N-95 masks, medicine and other resources to first responders and healthcare agencies. One-hundred percent of donations through the organization will go to the relief efforts for the current Southern California wildfires. For information, visit Direct Relief’s webpage.
GoFundMe
The popular fundraising platform has launched a dedicated hub containing verified GoFundMe pages related to the California wildfires, especially for residents who have been displaced and lost their homes; GoFundMe also created its own campaign for wildfire relief and has tips for those who want to start their own fundraiser.
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