How San Diegans Can Support Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts

Last Updated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15.

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.

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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.
  • Donate Here
• 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.
  • Donate Here
• 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.
  • Donate Here
• 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.
  • Donate Here
• Direct Relief is distributing N95s, medicine, and medical supplies to healthcare workers and impacted communities.
  • Donate Here
• GlobalGiving’s California Wildfire Relief Fund supports vetted nonprofits that provide food, water, and shelter to affected people and animals.
  • Donate Here
• California Community Foundation focuses on long-term recovery efforts that help underserved communities rebuild.
  • Donate Here
• GoFundMe created a centralized hub where you can find verified fundraisers related to the wildfires.
  • Donate here
• Baby2Baby is distributing diapers, food, formula, and personal care items to families impacted by the fires.
  • Donate Here
• Pasadena Humane is assisting with animal evacuations and providing shelter for hundreds of pets.
  • Support their work here or shop their Amazon wish list here
• World Central Kitchen is working with restaurant and food truck partners to distribute meals to first responders and impacted families.
  • Donate Here
• LA Animal Services is now over capacity and needs support to help more displaced pets.
  • Donate Here
• This Is About Humanity is matching donations up to $50,000 to support migrant farm workers, day laborers, and other essential workers affected by the Los Angeles fires.
  • Donate Here
• 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.
  • Donate Here

Before you give, consider looking up the organization on charitynavigator.org, which rates the legitimacy of nonprofits.

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.
• Foster an animal. San Diego Humane Society has helped Pasadena Humane with evacuation efforts, and transported dozens of displaced pets to San Diego. SDHS needs the community’s help to keep shelter space clear. If you can foster a dog or cat, visit sdhumane.org/foster. Bunny World Foundation is also looking for temporary foster homes for bunnies. Email [email protected] if you can foster, or shop their Amazon wish list here.
• 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, or help transport them. Pick and Dump Junk Removal and Crisan Junk Removal has also concluded their donation drive after filling multiple trucks.
• 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)
  • Newspapers
  • Items from the organization’s Amazon or Chewy wish lists 
• 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.
  • More information here.

Organizations in Los Angeles

• The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations at its two distribution centers.
  • More Information Here
• The Dream Center is in need of in-person volunteers to help receive and distribute supplies, prep hot meals, sort clothes, and more.
  • More Information Here

San Diego Businesses Offering Free Meals & Fundraising Specials

• MUNICIPAL Oceanside is offering free coffee, drinks, pastries and gear for anyone affected by the LA fires
• 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.
• Tribute Pizza is donating 100 percent of proceeds for their “Bobby Green for Kevin” pizza to those affected by the fires. Half of proceeds will be going directly to Side Pie which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire and the other half will be donated to the California Fire Foundation’s Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund.

Places Offering Shelter Assistance

• 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.

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.
  • People and pets
  • Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
  • Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
  • Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
  • Personal computer hard drive and disk
  • Plastic (credit/debit cards) and cash 

Source:  Los Angeles Fire Department