Want to help Southern California wildfire victims? These groups are looking for donations
Wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area have left at least 24 people dead, destroyed thousands of structures and forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate their homes, officials said.
Entire neighborhoods have been devastated by the Palisades Fire and other major blazes, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Aid organizations and volunteers are working to help Southern California residents impacted by the wildfires.
If you’d like to donate money or resources to wildfire victims, here are some of the best ways to help:
Want to help wildfire victims? Watch out for scammers
First, do your research to ensure the person or organization you’re donating to is legitimate.
Following natural disasters, scammers try to defraud people seeking opportunities to help, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said during a Jan. 11 press conference.
He urged Californians to look out for fraudsters and organizations falsely claiming to be charities aiding wildfire victims.
The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to ask specific questions and resist donating on the spot if you receive a charity fundraising call.
People wishing to donate can check out Charity Navigator and GuideStar to learn if aid groups and nonprofit organizations are authentic.
How to donate to Los Angeles County residents
If you prefer to send monetary donations to specific individuals as opposed to groups, GoFundMe has created a page featuring verified fundraisers for people affected by the wildfires.
The fundraising site also launched a Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 that sends $1,000 emergency relief grants to people who have lost homes or family members in the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires.
“We’re sending grants out as quickly as we can verify beneficiaries, getting emergency funds into the hands of survivors who are in desperate need of temporary shelter, food, clothing and other essential supplies,” GoFundMe stated on its website.
Money, food needed for Southern California survivors
Here is a partial list of organizations providing aid to Los Angeles-area residents affected by recent wildfires:
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is helping wildfire victims find shelter and food. Call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-RED CROSS or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
The nonprofit organization urged Californians to sign up to give blood, noting that blood donations have dropped since the fires began.
California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund
The nonprofit organization provides emotional and financial support to firefighters, families of fallen firefighters and affected communities .
The California Fire Foundation set up a relief fund that provides direct financial support to displaced residents in the Los Angeles area.
- What is accepted? Monetary donations
- Info: cafirefoundation.org/what-we-do/for-communities/disaster-relief
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is distributing medications, N95 respirators and other necessities to wildfire victims.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is distributing food, water, clothing and other essential items to residents affected by the fire. The food bank is accepting financial donations, volunteers and food contributions at its two distribution centers.
Pasadena Humane
Since the disasters began, the animal shelter has taken in more than 400 animals affected by the Eaton Fire.
“We are desperately in need of monetary donations to help us purchase medical supplies and other resources,” Pasadena Humane said.
Salvation Army
The charitable organization is distributing emergency items, including food, water and medical supplies to wildfire victims. The Salvation Army said it is only accepting financial aid at this time.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen is giving meals to people who were evacuated due to the Southern California wildfires as well as first responders.
“We are working with restaurant and food truck partners to provide comforting meals,” the nonprofit said on its website.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way of Greater Los Angeles is focusing on long-term recovery efforts to aid area residents displaced by the fires. The organization created a wildfire response fund that is currently accepting donations.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
YMCA locations in the Los Angeles area are providing free childcare, showers, Wi-Fi and other essential services to those affected by wildfires.
If you’d like to help, YMCA is seeking volunteers and a wide range of essential supplies. You can find a full list on its website.
What not to donate
When choosing whether to donate time, money or necessities to aid wildfire victims, do your research on what specific organizations are looking for.
Some Los Angeles-area organizations have been overwhelmed with food, clothes and other household supplies following the fires.
Check out aid groups’ websites for up-to-date information on which resources are needed.
This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Want to help Southern California wildfire victims? These groups are looking for donations."
