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Strong Santa Ana winds are fueling numerous raging wildfires in areas of Southern California, including Pacific Palisades, Hollywood, and Malibu, causing many people to flee and burning down numerous homes. As with any natural disaster, Americans stand strong together and take care of our fellow citizens who are suffering. The same holds true for these southern California wildfires, so you might be wondering what you can do to help schools, teachers, students, their families, and anyone impacted by the flames. The good news is there are many ways you can lend your support to help victims get through and recover from these devastating blazes.
1. California Department of Education
The California Department of Education has partnered with Supply Bank Disaster Relief Fund to raise funds to help students impacted by the wildfires. At least 335 schools that serve over 200,000 students have been closed because of the fires and several school buildings have sustained significant damage. Your donations will be distributed to the impacted schools based on their specific needs. Visit supplybank.org to learn how to donate. You can also visit the California Department of Education website to learn more.
2. California Teachers Association
This union has banded together to provide support to schools and teachers in need because of the wildfires. Teachers can apply for relief and gain access to resources they or their schools might need. Donate to the California Teachers Association Disaster Relief fund on their website.
3. Airbnb
Airbnb is offering free temporary shelter to those who have been displaced by the fires, including families and teachers. Airbnb has partnered with 211 LA to make sure people who have had to flee have a safe place to sleep. Anyone who would like to apply can fill out this form and get connected with those who can help. If you are interested in donating or offering a free place to stay, visit the Airbnb website to get started.
4. The American Red Cross
As with many disasters across the country, the American Red Cross has sent hundreds of volunteers to California to help teachers, students, families, and other directly impacted by the fires. The Red Cross supplies food, water, a safe place to stay, and medical care. You can donate directly to the American Red Cross and the four shelters they have set up so far.
5. The Salvation Army
Wildfire survivors need access to food, water, shelter, medical attention, and other materials and The Salvation Army is collecting donations to meet the huge need of Southern California. Visit The Salvation Army website to give to their wildfire fund.
6. World Central Kitchen
Displaced firefighters, families and students, as well as teachers, can gain access to food through the World Central Kitchen. They work with restaurants and food trucks to bring meals to those who can’t go home. You can support World Central Kitchen by donating to their cause on their website.
7. Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
To fight wildfires, firefighters need tools and materials. This organization raises money to buy the trucks, hoses, and other things firefighters need to quickly out fires. Donate as a Friend of LAFD to also provide safety gear firefighters need.
8. California Fire Foundation
This organization aids families of fallen firefighters, current firefighters, and the communities the firefighters serve. Your monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation helps these families throughout the disaster.
9. League of California Community Foundations
This organization provides a place to donate to the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire in one place. Their website is accepting donations to help those in the most need.
10. International Medical Corps
Many of the displaced families and children have also experienced injury, and the International Medical Corps provides medical supplies to clinics treating injured residents.
11. Pasadena Humane
When families are displaced because of the fires, so are their pets. Pasadena Humane is housing displaced pets, as well as treating pets who have been injured. You can donate to help provide the supplies necessary to care for the pets on the Pasadena Humane website.
12. Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Once the fires are out, there will still be a great need for support for families, children, teachers, and everyone in the community. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s California Wildfires Recovery Fund helps communities rebuild when the blaze is put out.
13. Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Though not a fundraising organization, the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress focuses on mental health risks associated with traumatic events such as wildfires. The organization provides recommendations and support to families, as well as the teachers who will be working with students when they are able to return to school. Visit their website dedicated to issues associated with the California wildfires to download PDF fact sheets to help prepare families and teachers for what happens next.
Teachers, students, families, as well as all the residents impacted by wildfires, rely on others to help them through the disaster. However, the impact of the wildfires will last long after the final blaze is extinguished. These thirteen organizations will help you provide relief now and into the future.
