Here’s how to help Southern California wildfire victims
Jan 08, 2025
With thousands of Los Angeles County residents forced to evacuate as the Palisades fire, Eaton fire and the Hurst fire burn through the region, local organizations are mobilizing to help displaced residents.
Organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting online cash or check donations. While supply donations are welcome, cash is often more helpful because it could avoid storage issues and allow for quicker responses to immediate needs, Red Cross national hotline representative Angela Rodriguez said.
RELATED: Map: See where the Eaton, Hurst and Palisades fires are burning in Southern California
For those looking to help emergency responders and residents, the organizations listed below are taking donations.
California Fire Foundation
The foundation is taking donations online at cpf.salsalabs.org to provide aid and resources for both fire crews and residents.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is accepting donations online. The organization plays a role in disaster recovery by providing emergency shelters, meals, medical care, and recovery planning services. To contribute, see redcross.org/donate/donation.html/.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is the official nonprofit of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. The organization supports over 3,000 local firefighters and paramedics by providing equipment and tools to help them fight wildfires effectively. Donations to the foundation can be made online at supportlafd.org/donate/.
Teladoc
The virtual medical service Teledoc is providing free 24/7 virtual medical care from licensed healthcare professionals for any non-emergency illness by calling Teladoc Health directly at 855-225-5032. Additionally, those who may need help with authorization for non-narcotic drugs can also get assistance. The free services are for first responders, Southern California residents and anyone else who may be affected by the fires.
The Salvation Army
Donations are being accepted online at socal.salvationarmy.org/southern-california/california-wildfires/ for wildfire relief efforts in Southern California. The Salvation Army has trained staff that is mobilizing to provide food, water, shelter and other needed resources.
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California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation is accepting donations online at calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/ toward its Wildfire Recovery Fund to aid those affected by the fires. The nonprofit has provided more than $32 million in relief to victims of wildfire since 2003, according to the foundation’s website.
Planet Fitness
The gym chain is providing access to showers and its facilities at no cost to firefighters and residents displaced by fires. A gym membership is not required to access the facilities participating. For information and hours of operation, see planetfitness.com/gyms.
Friends in Deed
Friends in Deed is accepting online donations at friendsindeedpas.org/donate-to-friends-in-deed/ to support its efforts to help homeless and at-risk neighbors. This organization has set up an adults-only shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pasadena, open Wednesday, Jan. 8, through Friday, Jan. 10, to provide aid and support to residents affected by the fires.
LA Dream Center
The Los Angeles-based community organization is serving as an evacuation center for residents forced to leave their homes due to the fires. The Dream Center is accepting credit- and debit-card donations in any amount online at dreamcenter.org. In a Jan. 7 Instagram post, the center said it has an ample supply of food, clothing and toiletries for those it expects to assist.
This list will be updated as more information is available.