San Diegans already found ways to help their neighbors up the highway in Los Angeles. Local businesses, nonprofits and animal rescues mobilized shortly after the fires in L.A. got out of control.
Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions executives are collecting financial donations at cash registers. The grocery store chain plans on matching donations up to $100,000.
“We know how urgent and important this is to raise money,” said Julie Field, area vice president.
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The money will be given to a nonprofit like the Salvation Army or Red Cross and will provide direct relief for fire victims. A Salvation Army spokesman said monetary donations are preferred because they’re easier to transfer and can be used to support L.A.-area businesses also impacted by the fires.
The best way the San Diego Humane Society realized it could help was to take dogs away from L.A.-area shelters.
“We're grateful that we were able to step up at this time,” Jordan Frey with the SDHS said. “We know they would be doing the same if the roles were reversed.”
Frey said they transferred at least 37 dogs to San Diego and that freed up room for the pets that will be inevitably found during and after the fires.
“We're really asking the community to open their hearts and homes to these animals in need right now,” Frey added.
She said they were already overflowing with dogs before adding 37 more from L.A.
Other nonprofits like the Little Bitty Animal Sanctuary in Ranchita organized food drives for the Pasadena Humane Society.
Some San Diego-area hotels are offering special accommodation rates and offers for those impacted by the L.A. wildfires. A list of those offers can be found here.
How you can help
Here are some ways you can help people in need.
Donate to the Red Cross
The American Red Cross is on the ground supporting Southern California residents, the organization said on Wednesday. The Red Cross is working to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support and health services to those affected by the fires. Learn more about how the American Red Cross is providing help amid the wildfires here.
To support Red Cross Disaster Relief with a donation, you can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The donation, the organization says, will help them prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters.
Donate to United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way focuses on longer-term recovery efforts to support members of the community, and the group said it is working with its community partners to assess the impact on the ground in the Los Angeles area. You can donate to support United Way's efforts here.
Donate to Emergency Network Los Angeles
Emergency Network Los Angeles, Inc., provides assistance to people affected by disasters. ENLA is a legally registered 501(c)(3) funded by grants, member dues and donations. Find more information and how to donate here.
Give to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County. They are accepting food donations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its two distribution centers: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, California 90058, and 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, California 90601.
The Food Bank is also accepting volunteers. If you'd like to volunteer, find more information here.
California Community Foundation
California Community Foundation was founded in 1915 to support Los Angeles County communities. The organization has resources for fundholders and donors interested in supporting recovery efforts. Its Wildfire Recovery Fund exists to support long-term solutions for fire-prone communities to prepare for fires.
Donate to California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge. Learn more about the CFF Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund and how your donation supports victims here.
Support the LAFD
The LAFD Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Donate pet supplies to Pasadena Humane
Pasadena Humane posted on Facebook that it is looking for donations of food and water bowls, extra large crates and blankets for the more than 100 animals they have taken in for emergency boarding amid wildfire evacuations.
The group is also seeking people willing to foster animals, especially larger dogs, amid the emergency. Find more information on how to help here.
Give to World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef Jose Andres, provides fresh meals to communities in need worldwide.
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires. Find out more about the organization and how to donate here.
Donate to Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)
CORE is a global humanitarian organization launched in 2010 to respond to the devastating Haiti earthquake. The group now works with local community organizations in areas hit by disasters worldwide to provide short- and long-term help and recovery, with a particular focus on underserved communities.
CORE is responding to the Southern California wildfires, and you can donate here.
What to know about giving through GoFundMe
GoFundMe has centralized all fundraisers related to the wildfires.
The crowdfunding site has a California Wildfire Relief Fund that will be distributed to people seeking help through GoFundMe fundraisers and nonprofits providing relief, the company said.
