Want to help people affected by the Southern California wildfires? Here’s where to donate
North Texas is still dealing with its first winter storm of the year, but California is experiencing five deadly wildfires.
There have been 10 deaths and over 9,000 buildings torched to ashes or damaged since the first spark began in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The fires have burned through a combined 36,000 acres, forcing residents to evacuate.
The Santa Ana winds did not help, racing at 46 mph, according to an ABC news report. The initial cause of the fires are still being investigated, however the combination of an 8-year drought and the Santa Ana winds was a recipe for a catastrophe.
People have returned home to houses made up of ash and belongings burned by the flames. Schools, a health clinic and iconic Los Angeles landmarks like the Will Rogers Ranch House have been utterly destroyed, leaving the communities heartbroken.
Fire stations from Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Idaho and Utah are headed to California to help fight the flames as first responders are carrying the weight of this disaster on their shoulders.
Texans may be too far to make an impact physically, but there are still ways you can help from home.
How to help with the California wildfires
If you feel led to donate, ensure that you are giving money to a viable source. Con artists take advantage of moments like this to mislead people into donating money to a false cause. To double-check that you are truly donating, you can visit Charity Navigator, which will lead you in the right direction.
Otherwise, these certified organizations have put efforts together specifically for California wildfire relief:
Money donation
Compiled a list of verified GoFundMes for residents who have lost their homes, suffered injuries or need to make up for some sort of loss
Money donation
To make a donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999
You can also visit redcross.org to donate
They do not have a specific page dedicated to California wildfires, but they put money towards disasters where people need the most help by providing shelter
Volunteer and money donation
Spreadsheet with links to animal organizations in L.A that need help (shelters, vet costs)
You can also donate directly to Mutual Aid L.A.
Y.M.C.A. of Metropolitan Los Angeles
Donations and money donations
Donate online to help families affected by the California wildfires.
Money donations for N-95 masks
Donate online for those who are affected by the air quality
Money donations for meals for first responders
Donate online so World Central Kitchen can continue partnering with local California food trucks and kitchens to deliver meals to first responders
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
Money donations for firefighters
Donate online to contribute to Los Angeles’s firefighters with shelters, hydration backpacks and brush fire tools
This story was originally published January 10, 2025 at 3:14 PM.