Southern California is in the midst of a wildfire crisis, with blazes continuing to devastate thousands of acres, displace families, and threaten communities. As evacuation orders expand and shelters fill with those seeking refuge, the need for community support has never been more urgent.
Whether you’re looking to support evacuees, volunteer to help sort donated goods, assist first responders, or contribute to recovery efforts, every action counts. This guide will provide practical ways you can make a difference during this challenging time.
⚠️ Please note: We’ve compiled this information to help support our community affected by these unprecedented wildfires. These details are changing quickly, and we strongly recommend checking directly with the linked sources for the most up-to-date information. If you know of any organizations or mutual aids that should be on this list please reach out to LA@secretmedianetwork.com or Sophie.Len@feverup.com
Table Of Contents
➡️ Organizations seeking volunteers and material donations
🤝 Check MALAN’s list of needs and opportunities
The community has come together in remarkable ways to support one another during this challenging time. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities and specific donation needs, check out Mutual Aid LA Network’s extensive spreadsheet, which is being constantly updated.
The list includes local schools, YMCAs, community centers, and organizations collecting donations for those affected by the wildfires with the help of volunteers. They are accepting a variety of essential items, including water, food (such as canned goods, non-perishables), blankets, and other emergency supplies.
🤝 Foster, volunteer, or donate to help displaced animals
The need to support displaced pets and wildlife is more urgent than ever. We’ve compiled a list of organizations that may need your support. You can make a difference by fostering or adopting, donating money and supplies, or volunteering.
🤝 Help out the LA Regional Food Bank
The LA Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations and volunteers at their locations in Vernon and Industry. Requested goods include peanut butter, protein-based snacks, crackers, trail mix, energy bars, pop-top canned chicken and tuna, juice boxes, water, and more.
🤝 Donate safety gear to volunteers who are cleaning up after the fires
Dedicated volunteers in Pasadena and Altadena are being granted access to the burn zone to begin clearing roads and removing fire-hazardous debris in the affected areas. To ensure their safety as they take on this critical work, Junior High LA is collecting essential safety gear for them. Hazmat suits are urgently needed and can be found at Home Depot or online. Whether you prefer to drop off items in person or send them via mail, every contribution helps! Let’s come together to support these incredible volunteers and help our community recover.
📍Location: 603 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204
🤝 Support this Amazon wishlist for those impacted by the wildfires
The Robitaille Family and Echoes of Hope have long supported vulnerable youth in Los Angeles, and now they’re extending that care to families devastated by the recent wildfires. These families face immense loss, but with your help, they can begin to rebuild. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your support provides essential resources to babies, children, teens, and young adults as they move forward. Echoes of Hope is committed to standing by these families for as long as it takes. Join their mission to restore hope. Check out their Amazon wishlist to support those impacted by the wildfires here.
🤝 Donate gently used books for children
Join Bob Barker’s Marionette Theater in spreading love and stories with their book drive for children affected by the wildfires! They’re accepting gently loved children’s books from Wednesday, January 15, through Friday, January 17. Let’s help bring a little magic to these young readers! 📚
📍Location: 4949 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
🤝 Dream Center
The Dream Center has played a vital role in supporting those directly impacted by the wildfires through its donation efforts. As of January 16, they are actively seeking donations of the following items:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Air purifiers
- Canned goods
- Underwear
- Work gloves
- To-go boxes and cups
- Safety glasses and goggles
- Socks
- Protective overalls
Your contributions can make a significant difference in providing relief to those in need.
📍Location: 2301 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA
🤝 Offer psychological assistance
If you are a mental health professional, you can offer assistance to those who are struggling with the trauma caused by the fires. Please use this form to sign up and be included on a list of mental health care professionals.
➡️ Major organizations accepting monetary donations
🤝 Los Angeles Fire Department
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is running a campaign to provide critical support for LAFD firefighters as they work tirelessly to save lives and protect property. Donations will directly help equip firefighters with essential tools and supplies.
🔗 Donate: LAFD Foundation
🤝 American Red Cross
Disaster teams from the American Red Cross are working to support wildfire victims with safe shelter, food, and emotional support. You can mail a check with “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo line or donate online.
🔗 Donate: American Red Cross
🤝 Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a wildfire response organization based in California. They provide N-95 masks, medication, and more resources for healthcare agencies and first responders.
🔗 Donate: Direct Relief
🤝 World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen is a global organization delivering meals to people in disaster areas. They are currently operating in Southern California to serve free, hot meals to those affected by the wildfires.
🔗 Donate: World Central Kitchen
🤝 Project HOPE
Project HOPE is working with officials and local groups to address urgent health and humanitarian needs during the fires. Donations to the California Wildfire Emergency Response Fund will provide essential aid and supplies to those affected.
🔗 Donate: Project HOPE
🤝 National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)
The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) is providing crucial support to immigrant day laborers, undocumented workers, and mixed-status families impacted by the wildfires. These communities face unique challenges, including fear and uncertainty when seeking shelter and emergency services.
🔗 Donate: National Day Laborer Organizing Netwowrk
🤝 Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)
Incarcerated firefighters are on the front lines, battling the rapidly spreading and devastating wildfires across Southern California. ARC is actively on the ground, shining a spotlight on their efforts and providing support. Be sure to write “firefighter fund” in your donation.
🔗 Donate: Anti-Recidivism Coalition
🤝 LAIT911 FIRE
🔗 Donate: LAIT911 FIRE
🤝 The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) has activated the Malibu Emergency Relief Fund to provide vital support for affected residents. The fund aids with direct financial assistance, essential supplies, mental health services, and resource connections for individuals facing home loss, displacement, or job loss.
🔗 Donate: Malibu Emergency Relief Fund
🤝 Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been deployed to six LA locations to provide meals, support, and care. Monetary donations help them adapt to constantly-changing needs.
🔗 Donate: Salvation Army
➡️ Local GoFundMe’s seeking monetary donations
GoFundMe has curated a list of verified fundraising campaigns aimed at supporting those affected by the wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Sylmar, and Altadena within Los Angeles County. Explore the full list of campaigns here.
- For firsthand stories from those directly impacted by the wildfires, take a look at MakeBigTalk‘s interviews in collaboration with GoFundMe, where they share moving accounts from those affected.
- In addition to their campaign listings, GoFundMe is actively supporting recovery efforts by offering $1,000 emergency grants to individuals who have lost homes, loved ones, or property in the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. You can contribute to this fund here.
- To help choose which campaign to donate to, 5PM Lucky has compiled a continuous list of campaigns that have raised less than 20% of their goal. You can view this list on 5PM Lucky’s substack here. (Big thanks to them for their inspiration!)
🤝 List of GoFundMe’s under 80% of their goal
It really takes a village, especially in times like this. Drawing from GoFundMe’s verified campaigns, 5PM Lucky’s list, and our own research — we’ve compiled a list of campaigns as of January 15, 2024 2:30 a.m. PST, that are still under 70% of their goal. Let’s help them reach 100%! Check out the list below.
- Help Rebuild Sandra’s Legacy Home (30% left to reach 100%)
- 86-year-old veteran and widower lost his home in the Eaton fire (87% left to reach 100%)
- Support for Cervantes Family: Lost Everything (31% left to reach 100%)
- 5 families with young children from LILA school lose their homes (85% left to reach 100%)
- Beloved teacher loses her childhood home built by her father and her studio in the Eaton fire (93% left to reach 100%)
- Rebuild The Bunny Museum: Help Steve & Candace (98% left to reach 100%)
- And so much more. Please refer to the links mentioned above for the full list of GoFundMe’s that need your support.
Remember, no donation is too small! Anything helps.
Los Angeles, our community is strong. Together, we can make a difference. Stay safe!
Written by Sophie Len and Jamie Ferrell
- Do you need help? Here’s a list of evacuation centers, animal shelters, and free services
- How to stay safe: Links, maps, and a guide for packing a go-bag