The worst wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history is still raging after days of destruction. Over 40,000 acres have burned across Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst, reducing thousands of structures–businesses, homes, schools–to rubble. 150,000 people are still under evacuation order. Our SoCal neighbors need our help.
Here’s what you can do to support people and pets affected by the LA fires. We’ll continue to update this list as more info comes in. Email us at [email protected] if you know of additional opportunities to donate or volunteer.
Where to Donate Financially
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is distributing critical equipment and supplies, like hydration backpacks and emergency fire shelters, to Los Angeles Fire Department workers.
California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and organizations to provide immediate and ongoing financial assistance to people affected by the fires, including firefighters and their families.
American Red Cross disaster teams have mobilized to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support, and other relief services to wildfire victims. American Red Cross is also transporting supplies like cots, blankets, and water to emergency shelters.
The Salvation Army is on the ground operating emergency shelters, distributing food, and addressing other immediate needs for people affected by the fires, including firefighters and first responders.
Project Hope is on the ground assessing conditions in shelters and will work with government officials and local organizations to support shelters, health workers, and marginalized communities, filling in gaps related to housing and mental health needs.
Before you give, consider looking up the organization oncharitynavigator.org, which rates the legitimacy of nonprofits.
Photo Credit: Rama McCabe
Where to Volunteer or Donate Supplies
Organizations in San Diego
Donate blood. Blood banks in affected areas have closed, and regular donors in Los Angeles can’t give. You can help replenish SoCal’s supply by giving blood at San Diego Blood Bank, which serves hospitals in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.
Donate food. Feeding San Diego is transporting truckloads of food to LA over the next few weeks. Biggest needs are packaged and shelf-stable snacks, non-perishables, and ready-to eat-meals. Drop off at Feeding San Diego in Sorrento Valley (9477 Waples St. Ste. 100 San Diego, CA 92121), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also donate funds to Feeding San Diego to help purchase essential items and fill the trucks. More information here.
Donate supplies.Rock Church Point Loma is collecting water, baby supplies, blankets, protein bars, and more to distribute to affected families and first responders. Donations will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, January 13. Get more information here.
Donate supplies. Submerge Church OB is accepting donations on Sunday, January 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. They’re looking for bottled water, dry goods, clothing and N95 masks. More information here.
Donate supplies, or volunteer to help sort them.ICA San Diego / North’s donation drive has concluded and three trucks filled with supplies and food are en route to LA.
Donate supplies. Whiskey & Leather is accepting clothing for kids, women, and men, but the greatest needs are kids’ toys and diapers. More information here.
Donate supplies. Puppies & Golf is accepting donations for both people and pets, including new/like new blankets and towels and pet food and supplies. Monday is the last day to donate. More information here.
Donate pet supplies.Freddie’s Place Animal Hospital, in partnership with Frontwave Arena and the San Diego Sockers, is collecting donations on behalf of animal welfare organizations that are assisting displaced and injured animals. Needs include towels and blankets, water bowls, pet food (dry and canned), pet beds, treats, and toys. Drop off at Frontwave Arena from January 13 to 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; during San Diego Sockers games on Wednesday, January 15 and Friday, January 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and at Freddie’s Place Animal Hospital in Vista, Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information here.
Donate pet supplies. San Diego Humane Society–which has taken in animals from LA–accepts supplies at any of their campuses from Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The most helpful items to donate to the San Diego Humane Society are:
Shelf-stable pet food (new bags and cans, or opened bags in the original packaging)
New pet supplies (collars, litter, pee pads, flea medication, beds, brushes, treats, toys, etc.)
New or gently used blankets, pillowcases, flat sheets, towels (washed with no holes or stains)
New or gently used X-pens or crates
Clean and gently used fur items (coats, shawls, etc.)
Cardboard box tops or trays (repurposed for disposable litter boxes)
Donate toys.Callie is accepting new or gently used stuffed animals to give to kids affected by the fires. Drop off at the donation bin by the host stand.
Amalfi Cucina Italiana’s three locations (San Marcos, Carmel Valley, and Oceanside) are offering impacted Los Angeles residents two free pizzas (pepperoni or margarita) and a tray of pasta (marinara or meat). Proof of Los Angeles residence is required. The restaurant asks eligible customers to call ahead due to demand.
The San Diego Tourism Authority has compiled a list of hotels that are offering discounted rates for people affected by the fires. See the full list here, and check back; it’ll be regularly updated.
Love Living Management is also providing discounts on furnished housing in San Diego County.
Photo Credit: Rama McCabe
How to Stay Informed and Prepare for Wildfires
Download Watch Duty to stay up-to-date on nearby fires and evacuation notices.
Download SD Emergency to get San Diego-specific emergency notifications.
Memorize The 6 P’s of Fire Evacuation: What to Prioritize in the Event of a Fire.
