Join the Fight Against LA Wildfires: Simple Ways to Be a Hero Today

Over the past week, wildfires have scorched more than 40,000 acres across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The relentless blazes have consumed over 12,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and public buildings, causing significant property loss and infrastructure damage. Tragically, the fires have claimed the lives of at least 25 people, while more than 150,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, seeking safety from the advancing flames.

The wildfires first ignited on January 7, prompting a swift response from federal authorities. On the same day, the White House authorized federal disaster assistance to support California’s recovery efforts, providing crucial resources to aid in firefighting operations, emergency shelter, and long-term rebuilding initiatives. The severity of the disaster has also inspired a global response, with donations pouring in from individuals, charities, and organizations worldwide, aiming to assist those affected and contribute to ongoing relief efforts.

As wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles, causing widespread devastation and displacing thousands, the focus has begun to shift toward long-term recovery efforts. While immediate aid remains critical, experts emphasize the importance of sustained support to help the city rebuild and prevent lasting setbacks for its residents. Here’s how you can most effectively contribute to the recovery efforts in both the short and long term.

The Importance of Long-Term Giving

Patricia McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, highlighted the need for donations that extend well beyond the initial disaster response phase. She stressed that the challenges faced by the community will evolve as time passes, much like the long-term effects seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the early days of the pandemic, people focused on the need for protective gear and vaccines,” McIlreavy explained. “However, as the crisis unfolded, the long-term needs became much clearer. Some people required childcare support, others needed elderly care, and many families struggled with children falling behind in school.”

Drawing this parallel, McIlreavy emphasized that the recovery process after the wildfires will require a wide range of support beyond just emergency aid. She encouraged donating not only to organizations providing immediate assistance, such as food, water, and shelter, but also to those focusing on preventing long-term hardships for the affected community.

She further underscored the importance of restoring personal dignity and self-sufficiency during the recovery phase. “There’s a difference between receiving a warm meal and having access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own food for your family, in your own way and on your own terms,” she said. “That’s the difference between temporary relief and true empowerment — it’s about dignity and agency.”

Being Thoughtful with Your Donations

Brea Burkholz, a spokesperson for the California-based nonprofit Direct Relief, which specializes in providing medical resources during disaster recovery, warned against donating large quantities of miscellaneous items directly to shelters. While the intention behind such donations is compassionate, they can sometimes create logistical challenges for shelters already struggling to manage limited space and resources.

“Often, the system becomes overwhelmed when there’s an influx of clothing or other physical items,” Burkholz explained. “Many shelters aren’t equipped to handle large volumes of material donations all at once because they lack the storage space and staff to sort through everything effectively.”

Instead, Burkholz recommended focusing on monetary donations or contributing essential supplies through vetted organizations. This approach allows shelters and relief groups to address the most urgent needs efficiently, ensuring that resources are distributed where they are most needed without overwhelming local systems.

How You Can Help

• Support Reputable Organizations: Donate to well-established nonprofits and community foundations involved in both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.

• Consider the Full Recovery Journey: Think beyond food and shelter by supporting programs that help families rebuild their homes, access education, and restore livelihoods.

• Monetary Donations Over Goods: Whenever possible, prioritize cash donations, which offer relief organizations the flexibility to address the most pressing needs.

By giving thoughtfully and considering the long-term well-being of those affected, your support can make a lasting difference in Los Angeles’ recovery from these devastating wildfires.

Brea Burkholz further encouraged those looking to help wildfire victims in Los Angeles to consider volunteering their time or assisting individual families with specific needs rather than donating large quantities of general items. She explained that personal connections can lead to more effective support, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.

“If you’re able to directly connect with a family in need, that’s often a far better approach,” Burkholz advised. “You’ll know exactly who your help is going to, and the items will have a clear purpose rather than being left without a place to go.” She emphasized that many displaced families have lost their homes entirely, leaving them without space to store donated goods. This lack of stable housing makes it challenging to handle bulk donations of physical items.

Wendy Escobedo, the emergency operations manager for World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit dedicated to food relief during disasters, echoed Burkholz’s concerns. She recalled the overwhelming influx of donations when the wildfires first broke out, with people bringing a wide variety of items without clear direction.

“In the early days, there was a flood of people donating everything they could think of, from clothing to household goods,” Escobedo explained. “But now, we’re shifting focus toward a more strategic approach — asking, ‘What are the actual needs of the community at this stage?’”

Both experts emphasized the importance of thoughtful giving, with a focus on either volunteering or providing targeted aid to families with clearly identified needs. This approach not only prevents logistical challenges but also ensures displaced individuals receive meaningful, effective assistance during their recovery.

Wendy Escobedo, the emergency operations manager for World Central Kitchen, emphasized the urgent need for specific essential items at Los Angeles shelters as the wildfire crisis continues. She highlighted that supplies such as toiletries, including diapers, baby wipes, towels, and hairbrushes, remain in high demand. These basic necessities play a critical role in maintaining hygiene and comfort for displaced families staying in temporary shelters.

However, as the wildfire response continues, Los Angeles County announced on Wednesday, more than a week after the fires first began, that it had reached full capacity for in-kind donations like clothing and household goods. The county urged those wanting to contribute to shift their focus toward monetary donations instead, explaining that financial contributions offer greater flexibility for relief organizations. Cash donations allow shelters and aid groups to purchase exactly what is needed, when it is needed, ensuring the most effective support for the impacted community.

Warning Against Scammers Exploiting the Crisis

Amid the wave of generosity, California officials have issued strong warnings about an alarming rise in scams targeting donors and victims during the ongoing disaster. At a press conference held on Saturday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta addressed the public directly, condemning those attempting to exploit the tragedy for personal profit.

“To anyone seeking to take advantage of this crisis for financial gain, who views this disaster as an opportunity to profit from others’ suffering, I have a message for you,” Bonta declared firmly. “You will be held accountable. You will be prosecuted.”

Officials have advised donors to be cautious, urging them to contribute through verified, reputable charities and official disaster relief organizations to ensure their help truly benefits those in need. The emphasis on transparency and accountability remains critical as the city continues its recovery efforts.

Experts are urging the public to exercise caution and thoroughly research organizations before making financial contributions to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. While the desire to help is commendable, they warn that not all groups claiming to offer aid are trustworthy or effective in their efforts.

Patricia McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, emphasized the importance of critically evaluating any organization seeking donations. She cautioned that if a group promises extraordinary results or claims they can provide aid in ways that well-established charities cannot or will not commit to, it could be a red flag rather than a sign of innovation.

“If an organization is making bold claims about what they can achieve—especially when trusted, reputable organizations haven’t made similar commitments—there may be a reason for that,” McIlreavy explained. “And it’s not always because they’re being creative or forward-thinking.”

Her advice underscores the importance of donating to established, transparent organizations with a proven track record in disaster response to ensure contributions genuinely benefit those in need and aren’t misused.

Wendy Escobedo, the emergency operations manager for World Central Kitchen, strongly encouraged individuals looking to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles to donate directly to reputable organizations or shelters rather than through third-party channels. She emphasized that direct contributions are the safest and most effective way to ensure donations reach those in need without the risk of mismanagement or fraud.

Using her own organization as an example, Escobedo clarified that World Central Kitchen exclusively accepts monetary donations through its official website and does not authorize contributions from any other platforms or intermediaries.

“We’re not accepting donations in any other way or from any other sources,” Escobedo stated. “By keeping donations centralized through our official site, we can ensure transparency, accountability, and prevent the complications that come with unverified fundraising efforts.”

Her statement reflects growing concerns about the rise in fraudulent fundraising attempts during the crisis and reinforces the importance of verifying the legitimacy of organizations before contributing to wildfire recovery efforts.