How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires

Mar. 15, 2025

A firefighter battles flames from the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Photo:Eric Thayer/Getty

Eric Thayer/Getty

Thewildfires that continue to spread across parts of Southern Californiahave prompted tens of thousands to evacuate, resulted in reports of fatalities and the destruction of more than 1,000 structures as of Wednesday, Jan. 8.

As the situation is still unfolding, here’s how you can help in the relief efforts for displaced residents and first responders — and how locals can also find resources to help themselves.

The Salvation Army

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Red Cross

A gift to the Red Cross will help provide assistance such as shelter for families, delivery of relief supplies and meals and support for emergency responders. Among the organization’s previous wildfire efforts included the2023 Hawaii wildfiresand the 2018 California wildfires. To donate, visit theirwebpage, which also contains information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire.

California Fire Foundation

FEMA

TheFederal Emergency Management Agencyis working with the state of California to deliver resources to the affected areas.

World Central Kitchen

Direct Relief

A humanitarian organization, Direct Relief’s previous wildfire responses in California have included providing N-95 masks, medicine and other resources to first responders and healthcare agencies. One-hundred percent of donations through the organization will go to the relief efforts for the current Southern California wildfires. For information, visit Direct Relief’swebpage.

GoFundMe

The popular fundraising platform has launched adedicated hub containing verified GoFundMe pagesrelated to the California wildfires, especially for residents who have been displaced and lost their homes; GoFundMe also createdits own campaign for wildfire reliefand has tips for thosewho want to start their own fundraiser.

Planet Fitness

Among the amenities being offered are showers and a place to rest. The offer is effective immediately and valid for one week; it expires on Jan. 15. Call your local club or click on thislink.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The food bank has set up a web page in response to the ongoing L.A. wildfires with information for people in need of food assistance as well as links to donate and volunteer. To learn more, visit thispage.

Save the Children

Instacart

source: people.com