The effects of the Los Angeles fire disaster will be long-lasting and thousands of people have lost everything.
At least 16 people have been killed, more than 12,000 structures destroyed, and 180,000 people ordered to flee their homes due to the blazes.
Help for those whose homes burned along with all they owned, and many more forced to flee and don’t know when they can return, is coming from around the world.
But charities and government-run relief efforts are overwhelmed by donations of items they don’t need or don’t have the resources to sift through.
Thieves are also preying on kind-hearted people with convincing scams that won’t send a dollar to anyone in need.
Here’s how you can do the most good with your donations.
Help for those whose homes burned along with all they owned, and many more forced to flee and don’t know when they can return, is coming from around the world
Beware of scams
Fraudsters thrive in an environment of confusion, desperation, and inexperience – along with heightened emotions.
Many people hoping to help fire victims don’t regularly donate to charity and are unlikely to know who they can and can’t trust.
Scammers are even targeting would-be donors with phone calls, text messages, emails, and even going door-to-door to elicit donations.
The Federal Trade Commission has a guide on how to vet anyone soliciting you to avoid falling victim, and Charity Navigator and GuideStar list reputable charities.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta vowed to prosecute scammers taking advantage of the fires, but many will be overseas out of reach.
‘To anybody who would take advantage of people for their greedy gain, who see dollar signs, I have a message for you: You will be held responsible,’ he said.
People gather and sort through donated clothing and other items at a pop-up donation center for wildfire victims at Santa Anita race track
Only give very specific items
Many charities are asking donors to stop sending random goods to them because they aren’t needed and do more harm than good.
Local governments also asked donors to stop leaving items at fire and police stations.
‘The City of Pasadena and all of the first responders across the city, are incredibly grateful for the donations of food and other items,’ the city ravaged by the Eaton fire said.
‘However, at this time, we are overwhelmed with the amount and we are no longer accepting additional donations.’
Nonprofits were also overwhelmed with bags of random essentials they don’t have the time or manpower to sort through and distribute.
Instead, look on charities’ websites and social media pages as they will often spell out what they actually need.
City shelters need toiletries like diapers, wipes, towels, and hairbrushes; the YMCA is accepting essential items; and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has a list of things it needs.
Local charity It’s Bigger Than Us is accepting air mattresses, bedding, clothes, toiletries, and non-perishable food, along with cash. All must be new, not used.
Volunteers unload aid items from a car at the YMCA distribution center at Pasadena City College after residents fled from the Eaton Fire
People look for shoes at a distribution center for people affected by the Eaton Fire at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California
Where to send your cash
Direct monetary donations are the easiest and most effective way to assist with relief efforts, as they both pay for charities’ expenses and finance buying what they need.
There is a long list of charities, both local and much larger like the Red Cross, which is staffing evacuation centers and handing out supplies.
Others include:
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to buy tools and supplies for firefighters as city funds are stretched thin.
World Central Kitchen, which has volunteer chefs cooking food and assembling sandwiches to give to hungry survivors and aid workers.
The California Fire Foundation, which directly supports fire victims.
The League of California Community Foundations, which rebuilds homes, restores lost belongings, and provides counseling.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation , to buy tools and supplies for firefighters as city funds are stretched thin
People collect aid items at the YMCA distribution center at Pasadena City College after residents fled from the Eaton Fire
International Medical Corps, handing out hygiene and first-aid kits to survivors and affected communities.
Best Friends Animal Society and Pasadena Humane Society, which are caring for hundreds of pets and animals displaced by the blazes.
Direct Relief, handing out N95 masks to protect locals from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation, along with medical and hygiene supplies.
Ventura County Community Foundation and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
If you’d rather contribute more directly to people in need, GoFundMe has a hub for all fundraisers to support people who lost their homes or loved ones.
GoFundMe also has its own relief fund it will distribute to victims.
Getting your hands dirty
People out of harms way but living nearby often want to help in more direct ways by volunteering at a charity or helping relief efforts.
Assisting neighbors is usually the best way, but if you don’t have any affected it’s not a simple process to start helping out.
Charities, such as the Red Cross, usually have a training period of at least a week before you can actually contribute on the front lines.
Direct Relief is handing out N95 masks to protect locals from the harmful effects of smoke inhalation
A man carries water in a neighborhood where many homes were destroyed by the Eaton Fire
However, that shouldn’t deter you as there will be a need for volunteers well after the flames are extinguished.
A few will let you get stuck in immediately, such as LAIT911’s disaster response and recovery team, which needs help collecting donations and assisting with delivery,
Animal charities like the Pasadena Humane Society, Los Angeles Animal Services, and Canine Rescue Club need foster homes for displaced pets.
Our Big Kitchen LA needs cooks to prepare meals for victims and emergency personnel.
Volunteer Collective has a master list of charities that need helping hands.
Don’t just give and forget
As much as help and cash is needed right now, a disaster of this magnitude will take a long time to overcome and the need for support will be ongoing.
Coming back to donate smaller amounts regularly will stop longer-term relief efforts running out of steam months or years later.
You could also donate to charities that plan to continue their support for as long as it takes.
