The consequences of the Los Angeles fire disaster will be long lasting and thousands of people have lost everything.
At least 16 people have been killed, more than 12,000 buildings have been destroyed and 180,000 people have been ordered to flee their homes due to the fires.
Help is coming from all over the world for those whose homes and all their belongings burned down, and for many more who have been forced to flee and do not know when they will be able to return.
But charities and government-run relief efforts are being overwhelmed by donations of items they don’t need or don’t have the resources to sort through.
Thieves also prey on good-hearted people with convincing scams that don’t give anyone in need even a dollar.
This way you can do the most good with your donations.
Help is coming from around the world for those whose homes and all their belongings burned down, and for many more who have been forced to flee and do not know when they will be able to return.
Beware of scams
Fraudsters thrive in an environment of confusion, desperation and inexperience, along with heightened emotions.
Many people who want to help fire victims don’t donate to charity regularly and probably don’t know who they can and can’t trust.
Scammers are even targeting potential donors with phone calls, text messages, emails and even going door to door to solicit donations.
The Federal Trade Commission has done that a guide on how to investigate someone who asks you to avoid becoming a victim, and Charity Navigator And GuideStar list of renowned charities.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has vowed to prosecute scammers taking advantage of the fires, but many will be out of reach abroad.
“To anyone who wants to take advantage of people for their greedy gain, who sees dollar signs, I have a message for you: You will be held accountable,” he said.
People collect and sort donated clothing and other items at a pop-up donation center for wildfire victims at the Santa Anita Race Track
Please include only very specific items
Many charities are asking donors to stop sending random goods to them, as they are unnecessary and do more harm than good.
Local governments also asked donors to stop leaving items at fire and police stations.
“The city of Pasadena and all first responders in the city are incredibly grateful for the donations of food and supplies,” the city ravaged by the Eaton fire said.
“However, at this time we are overwhelmed by the amount and are no longer accepting additional donations.”
Nonprofits were also inundated with bags of random essentials that they didn’t have the time or manpower to sort through and distribute.
Instead, check charity websites and social media pages as these will often indicate what they actually need.
City shelters require toiletries such as diapers, wipes, towels and hairbrushes; the YMCA accepts essential items; and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has done just that a list of things he needs.
Local charity It’s bigger than us accepts onemattresses, bedding, clothing, toiletries and non-perishable food items, along with cash. Everything must be new, not used.
Volunteers unload relief supplies from a car at the YMCA distribution center at Pasadena City College after residents fled the Eaton fire
People search for shoes at a distribution center for people affected by the Eaton fire at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California
Where to send your money
Direct monetary donations are the easiest and most effective way to help with relief efforts because they both pay charities’ costs and fund the purchase of what they need.
There is a long list of charitiesboth local and much larger such as the Red Crosswhich staffs evacuation centers and distributes supplies.
Others include:
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundationto purchase tools and supplies for firefighters as city funds are tight.
World Central Cuisinewhere volunteer chefs cook food and put together sandwiches to give to hungry survivors and first responders.
The California Fire Foundationn, which directly supports fire victims.
The League of California Community Foundationsthat rebuilds houses, restores lost property and provides advice.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation will purchase tools and supplies for firefighters as city funds are tight
People gather relief supplies at the YMCA distribution center at Pasadena City College after residents fled the Eaton Fire
International Medical Corpsdistributing hygiene and first aid kits to survivors and affected communities.
Best Friends Animal Association And Pasadena Humane Societywho care for hundreds of pets and animals displaced by the fires.
Immediate helpdistributing N95 masks to protect locals from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation, along with medical and hygiene supplies.
Ventura County Community Foundation and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
If you’d rather contribute more directly to those in need, GoFundMe has that a hub for all fundraisers to support people who have lost their homes or loved ones.
GoFundMe has that too your own emergency fund it will be distributed to the victims.
Getting your hands dirty
People who are out of harm’s way but live nearby often want to help in more direct ways by volunteering at a charity or providing aid.
Helping neighbors is usually the best way, but if it doesn’t bother you, it’s not an easy process to start helping.
Charities, such as the Red Crossusually have an induction period of at least a week before you can actually contribute to the front line.
Direct Relief is distributing N95 masks to protect locals from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation
A man carries water in a neighborhood where many homes were destroyed by the Eaton fire
However, that shouldn’t deter you, as volunteers will still be needed long after the flames have gone out.
Some can get you stuck right away, like LAIT911’s disaster response and recovery teamwho needs help collecting donations and delivery assistance,
Animal charities such as the Pasadena Humane Society, Los Angeles Animal ShelterAnd Dog rescue club foster homes needed for displaced pets.
Our large kitchen LA needs chefs to prepare meals for victims and first responders.
Volunteer collective has a master list of charities that need helping hands.
Don’t just give and forget
However much help and money are needed now, a disaster of this magnitude will take a long time to overcome and the need for support will continue.
Returning regularly to donate smaller amounts will prevent longer-term aid from running out months or years later.
You can also donate to charities that plan to continue their support for as long as necessary.