Learn how to help after a tragedy like the California wildfires.
Credit: Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
Wondering how to help after a tragedy? Here’s how to show your support. ❤️
Our hearts are incredibly heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the California wildfires. We want to help in any way we can, and we know Hip readers do too. If you feel the need to show your support during this tragic time (or during other disasters like Hurricane Helen), there are several ways to help.
1. Donate money to reputable fundraisers.
Monetary donations are usually most helpful when a tragedy occurs, and every dollar counts. The fund provides assistance with evacuation, medical supplies, debris management, hazard mitigation, shelter, airdrop operations and truck deliveries, animal rescue, food, and more.
In the face of most tragedies, major organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Feeding America, Humane Society, and Samaritan’s Purse often accept donations.
Each of the organizations listed above are currently supporting California wildfire and Hurricane Helen relief efforts, but there are many other worthy organizations worth checking out. See the short list below.
Would you like to donate to those affected by the California wildfires? Consider donating to other organizations such as:
Would you like to donate to those affected by Hurricane Helen? Consider donating to other organizations such as:
Please be careful of scams.
Unfortunately, some political parties will try to take advantage of the crisis. The Federal Trade Commission recommends researching an organization before making a donation. You can do this using sites like Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Watch.
Helpful tips for donating include avoiding cash donations, not talking to pushy telemarketers, and being skeptical of “pop-up” charities and GoFundMe pages.
2. Donate blood or plasma to ensure a ready supply.
Donating blood is one of the best ways to help after a tragedy. Doing so can save lives and ensure hospitals have immediate access to needed supplies after a tragic event.
There is usually an urgent need to boost blood supplies when a terrible disaster occurs, and the California wildfires and recent snowstorms and hurricanes are no exception. We are currently seeking emergency blood donations.
The American Red Cross is one of the main organizations asking for blood donations. Visit our website or download our app to make a reservation. Other major organizations collecting blood in response to recent disasters include ImpactLife, One Blood, and The Blood Connection (TBC).
If you want to make an impact elsewhere, here are other reputable blood and plasma donation centers across the United States.
3. Volunteering is one way to help after a tragedy.
Help survivors by volunteering with organizations working on relief efforts. Whether you volunteer with a major organization like the Red Cross or support a local animal rescue, church, or shelter, your efforts will be appreciated.
Here are some organizations looking for volunteers to help with the California wildfires.
The Red Cross is recruiting volunteers for a variety of positions, including blood transport specialists, disaster response team members, and shelter services. FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which can help you find places to donate or volunteer. Samaritan’s Purse was recommended by Hip reader Linda. This international crisis relief group is currently recruiting volunteers (and accepting donations) to help with disaster relief. Operation BBQ Relief is looking for volunteers to distribute meals to people in need, including survivors of hurricanes and wildfires. Mercy Chefs is seeking volunteers to help with the California wildfires.
Additionally, we still need volunteers to help survivors of Hurricanes Helen and Milton.
Volunteer Florida provides you with volunteer opportunities that specifically benefit hurricane survivors. VolunteerNC is in urgent need of volunteers to assist with our food bank and hurricane relief efforts.
4. Donate items.
Although monetary donations are usually the best way to support tragedies and disasters, in-kind donations are also possible. Please note that natural disasters can cause flooding, widespread damage, and road closures, making it difficult to accept non-monetary donations.
Before donating goods rather than money, check with the organization to see if they need the items you plan to donate. The types of places that can really benefit from donations are animal shelters, churches, and food banks. Search your area to find local organizations that can help you.
Below are some of the places where in-kind donations are needed related to the California wildfires.
Feeding America accepts food donations and volunteers at your local food bank.
For in-kind donations related to Hurricane Helen, please consider the following organizations:
Hearts With Hands is accepting in-kind donations for hurricane survivors, including pet supplies and baby supplies, at its warehouse in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
5. Continue the conversation.
National disaster and cleanup efforts continue long after news coverage has stopped. The same goes for how you feel when you survive a tragedy. That’s why one of the best things you can do for a victim is to keep asking how they’re doing and offer to help if possible.
If you find an organization that you feel is doing honorable relief work, spread the news and tell your friends and family. We hope that this will allow relief efforts to continue in the future.
As time passes, it is important to remember that survivors will continue to repair their communities and hearts for a long time to come.
Don’t forget to check on your loved ones in the coming months. 💛
Do you know a California wildfire survivor?
If you know a wildfire survivor, check to see if they know about all the organizations listed above. Additionally, let us know about organizations like DirectRelief that can provide quick cash relief.
Also, learn about 211LA, where you can stay up to date on the latest closures and fire statistics, as well as find local resources and temporary accommodations.
Visit FEMA’s website to apply for assistance and get immediate help. USA.gov also has information on how to apply for post-disaster financial assistance.
If you need counseling or an ear to listen, please contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or the 988 Crisis Hotline by dialing 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Finally, if you are looking for a loved one affected by the wildfires, please contact Wildfire Family Assistance Centers. In addition to assisting with reunification, the organization provides survivors with a wealth of resources in areas such as housing, tax relief, and insurance claims.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the California wildfires. ❤️
If you know of any great organizations that we missed, please share with us in the comments.
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