The American Red Cross has been receiving a flood of support following the recent California wildfires as the nonprofit organization continues to respond to the destruction.
Why It Matters
The Pacific Palisades fire has been roaring through Los Angeles County, spreading throughout the region spurred by powerful Santa Ana winds. The fire was estimated to cover more than 11,802 acres and has forced at least 30,000 to leave their homes. Two new blazes—the Eaton fire near Altadena and the Hurst fire in Sylmar—erupted late Tuesday.
At least six blazes are currently active in the region as of Saturday.According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire), two of the blazes, Lidia and Archer, are contained as of Saturday afternoon. In addition, officials have estimated that more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires in Los Angeles which have currently left 11 dead and many more injured, according to the Associated Press.
What To Know
Since the fires erupted many local and national organizations are stepping in to provide critical aid to those affected such as the American Red Cross, which provides emergency shelters, meals, medical care and recovery planning services.
While the Red Cross has continued to work with others to provide support, the organization plays a key role in disaster recovery as it has sent more than 200 American Red Cross workers on site.
“More than 200 American Red Cross workers, many of whom have been impacted by these wildfires themselves, are helping in southern California where hundreds of evacuees woke up in emergency shelters this morning. To make sure no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone, we’re working closely with our partners to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support and other critical services. Anyone who needs aid can come to a shelter for support, you don’t have to stay overnight and we don’t ask for identification,” Red Cross media relations lead Stephanie Fox told Newsweek via email on Saturday.
She added: “Envisioning what a new normal looks like in the aftermath of a disaster can be overwhelming, but the Red Cross and our partners are committed to supporting those who need it for the many weeks and months to come.”
In response to the fires, many celebrities, some who have been impacted by the fires, and corporations have begun donating to relief efforts.
Who Is Donating?
According to Forbes, Jamie Lee Curtis, who feared she’d lost her own Santa Monica home before confirming the structure was safe, has pledged to donate $1 million to wildfire relief.
Curtis, an American Red Cross ambassador, also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night where she spoke about the fires, encouraged others to “do anything you can” to help people.
Meanwhile, Fox Corporation has also donated $1 million to the American Red Cross’ California Wildfire relief efforts. Fox Corporation, which is an annual Disaster Giving Program partner for the organization, also encouraged viewers to contribute to help those affected by the fires.
“Every donation better enables the Red Cross to respond to and help residents recover from this disaster,” it said in a press release.
The National Football League (NFL) will be selling team-specific Los Angeles Rams and Chargers hats and shirts to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation with 50 percent of the Rams 50/50 Raffle from Monday’s game being donated to the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Disney has pledged $15 million in aid, with funds going toward the American Red Cross, the LAFD Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food bank. And Paramount donated $1 million to relief efforts, with donations to the American Red Cross, the LAFD Foundation, the California Fire Foundation, Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen and Best Friends Animal Society, Variety reported.
How to Donate Following California Wildfires
In addition to the Red Cross, there are several other local and national organizations that have continued to provide support for those affected by the fires.
- California Fire Foundation: This organization provides direct support to victims, firefighters and their families. Donations can help fund relief efforts and provide critical resources to those on the front lines. You can donate by visiting its website.
- The Salvation Army: Offering financial assistance and operating emergency shelters, the Salvation Army is helping displaced residents find safety and stability. Visit its website to donate or learn more.
- Direct Relief: Through its California Fire Relief program, Direct Relief is distributing N-95 masks, medical supplies and other essential resources to health care workers and impacted communities. Donations support its immediate response efforts.
- Wildfire Recovery Fund: Managed by the California Community Foundation, this fund focuses on long-term recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild after the initial disaster response. Contributions can be made directly on its website.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed When Donating
While the urgency to help is strong, ensuring your contributions reach the right people is critical. Here are steps to avoid falling victim to scams:
- Research charities: Use platforms like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to confirm an organization’s credibility.
- Donate directly: Avoid links in unsolicited emails or social media posts. Visit the organization’s official website to make a donation.
- Verify fundraisers: Look for detailed descriptions of how the funds will be used, including specific recipients or projects.
- Stick to known groups: Prioritize donations to established organizations actively working in the affected areas.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement: “We are moving rapidly to support state and local law enforcement and firefighters to respond to the Eaton Fire threatening Altadena and Pasadena as extremely critical fire weather continues in Southern California. To all those in the region, remain vigilant and listen to local authorities.”
President Joe Biden, in a statement on the wildfires: “My Administration will do everything it can to support the response. I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials.”
Animal shelter Pasadena Humane in a message posted online Wednesday night: “Our biggest need right now is for monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires…We anticipate getting in even more animals who are in need of emergency medical care as the fires continue. If you are able to donate, please visit pasadenahumane.org/wildfirerelief.”
What Happens Next
Fire crews are continuing to fight the wildfires. Meanwhile, the Santa Ana winds in Southern California are expected to pick up again over the weekend and potentially into next week, National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall told The New York Times, threatening more destruction in the state.
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