Sylvie Shapiro

These past few weeks, we have witnessed the destruction of homes, businesses and public spaces. Although the Eaton fire is 99% contained and the Palisades fire is now 98% contained, long term consequences will persist. From donations to volunteering, here are some opportunities to lend support.

One way you can support disaster response is through monetary donations. Bishop Wash, the director of public relations for the Salvation Army, told CNN, “Your donation helps meet both immediate and long-term needs. It also enables the purchase of supplies from local vendors, which supports community businesses. During emergencies, 100% of designated gifts are directed toward specific relief efforts.” Financial support allows groups to target areas of need and allocate their resources effectively. Here are some organizations:

1. On GoFundMe, you can donate to a myriad of affected citizens. You can also find Poly-specific funds, such as the Eaton Fire Relief for Cherished Retired Poly Teachers, and support individual families who lost their homes.
2. Donating to the Los Angeles Fire Department supports first responders who need emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland tools. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts at a time and it’s critical that we keep them safe.
3. Pasadena Humane needs monetary donations to cover medical care, facility maintenance and support for the over 700 animals displaced due to the fires.
4. Through their Wildlife Relief Fund, the California Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofits in Altadena, Pasadena and the Palisades to support critical services. They have already raised $30 million and are accepting more donations to support our local communities directly.
5. The Pasadena Community Foundation has established the Eaton Canyon Recovery and Relief Fund, which distributes funds to local non-profit organizations responding to the Eaton fire.

In addition to financial contributions, you can also donate food, clothing and other goods to some organizations. But, as of right now, many donation centers are overwhelmed by items donated by the community. It is inspiring to see how passionate citizens are about helping the affected, but at this time, it’s more helpful to wait before donating. Moving forward, donation centers have enough items to distribute to affected people and families, so it is more impactful and helpful to take a different route, like volunteering to help distribute items, to get involved.   

Here are some organizations that are looking for volunteers:

1. LA Works provides a database of over 100 organizations that need in-person and online help. You can mentor at-risk Middle School students, distribute clothing and hygiene products in Hollywood, or sort and deliver supplies.
2. A cafe in Old Town, Neighbors and Friends, is serving as a donation center and drop off point and is looking for volunteers to help run it. Additionally, on their website, they have provided spreadsheets with the names of families, their story and their GoFundMe links.
3. If you know someone who is a licensed medical professional willing to help in health services, let them know that the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to assist with care. You can also donate and transfer blood to various locations in the LA area.
4. Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to helping families find homes as they rebuild. Volunteers can help build and repair homes around the area. 

The opportunities in this article represent a fraction of the countless ways to help. From donating food and clothes to volunteering your time, every effort makes a difference.