10 Ways You Can Help Victims of the LA Fires — They Need You!

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Los Angeles has given you so many glorious hours of entertainment, it’s time to give something back. Here are 10 ways you can help victims of the LA fires.

Photo by Zoltan Tasi

It’s painfully, tragically difficult for hundreds of thousands of people to feel at home in Hollywood or the surrounding area these days.

The fires have absolutely devastated the Los Angeles basin, and those who call the area home really need our help.

Although this site typically covers celebrity homes, glamorous lifestyles, movies, tv shows and Hollywood events, those topics are outrageously trivial at this time.

Help victims of the LA Fires

An overview of the once beautiful Pacific Palisades Alphabet Streets, now just acres of ash

This is not about movie star mansions that have been incinerated, or what awards events have been canceled. It’s about ways to help victims of the LA fires—thousands of regular folks, just like you and me, as well as the animals and other helpless residents of the area, recover from this unthinkable tragedy.

As I speak on air with listeners throughout the U.S., I am disheartened to hear that one of the most prominent messages that seems to be getting through is that it’s predominantly the rich and famous who are losing their homes, and they can afford to rebuild them.

My friends, it’s about so much more than that. You’ll note that most celebrities whose homes have burned, people like Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy are deflecting attention from their personal tragedies and using their platforms to support their communities and encourage others to do so as well.

This is not the moment to point fingers, make accusations or waste precious time speculating about who should have done what. Please take all that electric energy and passion and commit it where it is needed most—to the victims and the first responders who are so valiantly working to save our communities.

Below I’ve provided a list of ideas for how you can help victims of the LA fires. They are legitimate organizations that need your support and can deliver now and long term. Pick one or two that resonate with you, and do what you can.

My husband Jim, therapy labradoodle Frankie Feldman and I will be right there with you, doing everything we can to bring comfort to all in need. We love you!

10 Ways You Can Help Victims of the LA Fires

California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund

The California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community based organizations to provide ongoing, mid- and long-term support to California communities affected by natural disasters like wildfires. The organization, which provides direct support to victims, is beginning to support those impacted by the Palisades Fire. Contact them to find out what they need.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit global food relief organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés is already on the ground in Southern California to aid first responders and evacuees. “Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as we identify all areas of need,” the organization said in a statement on Jan. 8.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army operates a disaster services fund that directly supports evacuees and first responders of California wildfires. The organization provides emergency relief and long-term assistance to those impacted by natural disasters.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation has a long history of making a direct and meaningful impact on individuals and families in need, ensuring that support reaches those most affected. Since 2003, the CCF Wildfire Recovery Fund has provided over $30 million to communities affected by disasters. For the LA County wildfires, they’ve already activated the fund to complement immediate relief, addressing the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods long after media attention has shifted away.

CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation

CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides financial aid to firefighters and their families in the case of injury or loss of life. The organization also helps support burn victims and their families, along with research focused on firefighter health and safety.

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.

LA Food Bank

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provides year-round food assistance to those facing hunger and also acts as a first responder during natural disasters. They are currently accepting online donations to support their efforts.

SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education have joined forces with the nonprofit SupplyBank.org to gather and distribute donations and emergency resources to school communities most affected by the wildfires. Donations can be made directly through the nonprofit’s website.

Project Angel Food

Want to pitch in with some good old fashioned hard work? Project Angel Food is looking for volunteers to deliver meals or work in the kitchen at Amped Kitchens, 230 West Ave. 26, Los Angeles. The kitchen is open Sunday through Friday. Volunteer shifts are from 8:15 a.m. to noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can get information on the website, or call 323-845-1816.

Project HOPE

Health and humanitarian organization Project HOPE is assessing conditions in shelters, coordinating with government officials and local organizations and is prepared to support local shelters, health workers, and marginalized communities to help with shelter and mental health needs. Donate at projecthope.org/lafires.

LDS Humanitarian Relief

Because the LDS Church has legions of organized volunteers on the ground in most of many countries around the globe, its Humanitarian Relief Fund is able to promise that “One hundred percent of every dollar donated is used to help those in need without regard to race, religion, or ethnic origin.” Currently, donations and resources are being directed to the victims of the California wildfires. If you’re concerned that some funds use a high percentage of donations for administrative expenses, this might be a good resource for you.

If you know of any other worthy organizations that can help victims of the LA fires, please let me know, and I will add them to this list.

Help victims of the LA Fires

The remains of a home in Altadena

Los Angeles has given you so many glorious hours of entertainment, it’s time to give something back. Here are 10 ways you can help victims of the LA fires. They desperately need you!

 

 

 

 

 

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Lisa Johnson Mandell

Lisa Johnson Mandell is an award winning journalist, author and film/TV critic. She can be heard regularly on Cumulus radio stations throughout the US, and seen on Rotten Tomatoes. She is the author of three bestselling books, and spends as much of her free time as possible with her husband Jim and her jolly therapy Labradoodle Frankie Feldman.

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