Locals are pitching in as communities in and around Pacific Palisades, Sylmar, Altadena and Pasadena grapple with the devastation of historic fires that began Tuesday amid dry conditions and high winds.
A crew of local volunteers with Long Beach Clothing Co., the Bixby Knolls Business Association and Care Closet LBC have been rushing hundreds of hot meals and water to Pasadena and helping families who are in shelters throughout the region.
Many other local, regional, state and national groups are also pooling resources and services to help those affected.
Residents here and elsewhere are being called to help organizations that are hurriedly collecting money, supplies and volunteers to assist over 130,000 people who have been evacuated and displaced.
Here are some reliable ways to give:
The California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation has set up the LB2LA donation portal specifically for Long Beach to contribute. You can make a monetary donation online here or by texting LB2LA to 707070.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is leading the fundraising charge, promising to promote the fund at his State of the City speech on Jan. 14.
In the past, the foundation has used its wildfire relief fund to support “critical recovery services” like housing, case management, mental health support and medical care for residents who had to flee their homes, according to a news release.
The fund also aids “in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families,” according to the foundation. “Additionally, the fund provides updated safety equipment to firefighters and health and safety education for caregivers, domestic workers, and day laborers.”
You can read more about the California Community Foundation here.
Los Angeles/California Fire Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking monetary donations for its wildfire emergency fund. Proceeds will pay for equipment used by the thousands of firefighters currently battling the wildfires. You can donate to the Foundation here.
A similar request is being made by the California Fire Foundation for resources that will go towards local fire departments as well as community organizations on the ground. Donations can be made here.
American Red Cross
The international organization said Thursday it has opened a number of shelters countywide and staffed evacuation centers for divvying supplies and providing medical care.
One Red Cross official said Thursday that Long Beach residents should make cash donations. To make a donation online, visit here or call 800-733-2767 or text REDCROSS to 90999.
If you wish to volunteer with the Red Cross, participants can register online here. Training is required.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The regional food pantry network is accepting food donations and is also in need of volunteers. Drop-off locations can be found in Long Beach and Signal Hill. For a list of locations, visit here.
Long Beach schools
Over a dozen schools in the Long Beach Unified School District were accepting nonperishable in-kind donations this week. Students at the California Academy of Math and Science also wrote thank you cards for firefighters, and students at Renaissance High School for the Arts put together care kits for affected students.
Schools collecting nonperishable goods include: Carver Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, Fremont Elementary, Gompers Elementary, Los Cerritos Elementary, Naples Academy, Patrick Henry Elementary, Twain Elementary, Newcomb Academy, Cubberley Elementary, Bancroft Middle School, Lindsey Academy, Jefferson Middle School, Lakewood High School and McBride High School.
Long Beach Animal Care Services
In addition to the in-kind donations detailed on their website, Long Beach Animal Care Services is specifically asking for pet food donations “in anticipation of the needs of people temporarily displaced by the fires, that may come to stay in Long Beach.”
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has set up an online hub where people can donate directly to the Wildfire Relief Fund and other pages related to the wildfires. Pages are verified by the GoFundMe team and the hub is continually updated with pages that direct donations to affected small businesses, nonprofits and community relief efforts.
Teladoc
Teladoc Health is offering free, 24/7 virtual medical care to residents in Southern California, as well as first responders and others impacted.
This service is ideal for those displaced by the fires who cannot access traditional medical care. Services include treatment for conditions such as respiratory infections, allergies, sinus problems and cold or flu symptoms. Teladoc is also providing some assistance with prescription refills for non-narcotic medications.
Planet Fitness
The national fitness chain announced it will offer free use of its locker rooms, showers, loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi to residents and first responders across L.A. County. A gym membership is not required to access the participating facilities.
The offer lasts until Jan. 15. For a list of locations and gym hours, visit here.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is accepting donations as part of its wildfire relief efforts but also to long-term recovery assistance to those displaced by the fires. Money will pay for mobile canteens containing food, water and emergency supplies.
Donations can be made here. Checks can also be mailed to The Salvation Army – Disaster Relief at P.O. Box 93002, Long Beach 90809-9355.
Albertsons / Vons Grocery Stores
The Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Foundation has set up a disaster relief fund through Jan. 30 to support those affected by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires.
Donations can be made at checkout at any of their grocery stores in Southern California. The Foundation said in a release Wednesday it will match the first $100,000 raised.
Staff writer Jacob Sisneros contributed to this report.