As parents, we’ve been glued to our screens watching the tragedy of the Los Angeles fires unfold. So many families have lost their homes and their communities, from schools and libraries to grocery stores and parks—all of the things that make family life feel safe and secure. Nearly 38,000 acres of LA Country have been destroyed by the two largest fires in the Palisades and Eaton, while 24 people have died and tens of thousands have been evacuated, according to the New York Times. As winds change daily, more families wait with their go bags packed and uncertain fates.
The whole scene is utterly devastating, and if you’re feeling helpless and trying to find ways to do your part, we’ve gathered a list of organizations that are collecting money to help out those in need, including families with children and pets, by supplying necessities like clothing, food, diapers, and formula.
How to help families affected by the fires
Baby2Baby:
The LA-based nonprofit has already handed out 1.5 million emergency supplies to vulnerable families and children, including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets, and hygiene products. They will be working for weeks and months to come to help families who have been displaced.
Donate here.
Save the Children
In addition to offering essential supplies for kids affected by the California wildfires, Save the Children is working with local partners to help protect the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children throughout Los Angeles County and try to get them back to learning as soon as possible.
Donate here.
Bobbie
Bobbie for Change, the formula company’s social impact and policy arm, has rallied hard in the midst of the fires to get cans of their organic formula to parents in need. They’ve already donated 1,000 cans to relief efforts and are offering the option to donate a can of formula for $25.
Donate here.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The non-profit focuses on projects that help support firefighters’ health, safety, and wellness; expand the resources needed to protect lives, homes, and the environment; and help secure equipment safety programs essential for LA’s firefighters. Your donation will go towards emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
Donate here.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team moves quickly to be on the ground following disasters, offering food to people in need. In Southern California, Chef José Andrés’ organization is supporting first responders and families impacted by wildfires at meal distribution sites and with the help of partner restaurants and food trucks.
Donate here.
Wildlife Recovery Fund
The Wildlife Recovery Fund was started by the California Community Foundation in 2003 to support the recovery of communities ravaged by California wildfires. While the immediate needs of individuals are important, the fund also focuses on mid-term and long-term projects that help to rebuild.
Donate here.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank aims to source and acquire healthy nutrition for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Your donation will go towards non-food items like toothpaste, deodorant, phone chargers, socks, and blankets, and non-perishable items like peanut butter, protein-based snacks, trail mix, crackers, water, pop-top tuna, fruit snacks, and more.
Donate here.
SPCALA
This animal non-profit has taken in hundreds of pets displaced by the LA wildfires. They are asking for pet food donations (especially wet dog food), gently used blankets and towels, perishables like hot dogs, cream cheese, and string cheese, as well as monetary donations to get these animals the care they need.
Donate here.
GoFundMe
The popular crowdfunding platform is raising funds to provide emergency grants of $1,000 for people who have lost their homes to the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst wildfires.
Donate here.
Pasadena Humane Society
The local animal resource center and shelter has been on the front lines trying to rescue displaced pets as well as sheltering them until they’re fostered or reunited with their families.
Donate here.
Seconds Market
Seconds Market is a swap meet of sorts, where people can buy, swap, or sell their clothing without the hassle of a middleman. They are asking for anyone with spare clothes lying around to sign up to be matched with victims of the LA wildfires. Whether you have a full box or just a few items, it can make a huge difference to people who have lost all their belongings.
Sign up to donate here.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross was on the ground in LA early and has provided over 33,000 meals and snacks since wildfires broke out. They have also set up numerous shelters around the impacted areas where evacuees can have hot meals, charge devices, take showers, obtain mental health services, and more. All the shelters are pet-friendly, too!
Donate here.
The Salvation Army
As of yesterday, eight Salvation Army shelters have been set up to help wildfire victims in Los Angeles County and have been providing disaster relief to hundreds of people. They have necessities like hygiene kits, food, sleeping cots, and more. 100% of your donation will help those impacted by fires.
Donate here.
