The images and stories of the Western Wildfires -- the Hill and Woolsey Fires in the LA area, and the Camp Fire in Northern California that has entirely decimated the town of Paradise -- have been nothing short of horrifying. With upwards of a quarter-million evacuees so far and a growing list of fatalities, so many of us have friends and family impacted including parent bloggers in our community.
Photo via Rita Wilson on Twitter
The California Fire Foundation and the Firefighters Charitable Foundation
Two more organizations supporting the brave, heroic first responders on the front lines with emotional and financial assistance to current and fallen firefighters and their families.
The Baby2Baby Foundation
Baby2Baby is getting high-need items to children impacted by all three fires including diapers, wipes, blankets, strollers, portable cribs and warm jackets. They've created a Target registry including the specific items they need, though they're accepting financial donations as well.
Caring Choices: Emergency Volunteer Center
This Chico-based org has created an effective emergency center for thousands of volunteers they've activated, and are putting all their other efforts on hold for now. They need monetary donations to help keep their work going. (Over the long term they will need more volunteers, but there's currently a backlog in processing all the applications, which is wonderful. )
Animal Hope and Wellness
This California based rescue organization has put together an animal rescue team in Agora Hills to save pets that owners can't reach and transport them to safety. I imagine any support you can offer will be put to good use.
The Humane Society of Ventura County
This is a private nonprofit (unaffiliated with the American Humane Society) that serves the people and animals of Ventura County exclusively, with 100% of donations going directly to support the evacuated animals in the area.
Google and The Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Google has set up a simple donation form right in your browser through this link, with donation going to The Center for Disaster Philanthropy so they can best be distributed to impactful non-profit organizations doing the most good around California right now.
One more note: While some people may hear "Malibu" and read about the number of celebrities who have evacuated or lost homes and think that your help isn't needed, please know that the fires cover more than 70,000 acres in LA county alone as of this afternoon, while the Camp Fire in Butte County has consumed over 100,000 acres -- and is still only 20% contained.
We're talking about a very diverse area here. As for Malibu, Quinn Cummings has an outstanding thread about the geography and demographics and those who "live on the margins" that's worth a read if you're not familiar with the area.
Not that it matters how much your home is worth or how many people know your name when you're fleeing for your life. Not that it matters how valuable property may be when it's one of America's treasures and it's burnt to the ground.
On behalf of our entire team, our compassion, love, and support go out to everyone impacted by this tragic natural disaster.
Post last updated Nov 13, 2018
Related: How to talk to kids about tragedy and natural disaster: Helpful tips and resources.
This video of a dad calming his toddler daughter as they drove away puts the situation in sharp perspective for lots of us.I know those of us fortune to be home safe right now (and who have some semblance of a heart) are asking what we can do to help the California fire victims and provide immediate relief to those in need, so I wanted to share a decidedly abbreviated list of the worthy orgs going around in my networks. Please note -- the LA Firefighters Association is posting that while they are honored for all the drop-offs of physical items, the stations can't manage them at this time. What organizations really need right now is funding. Or if you are in the area and are donating goods, please connect with the local city council for designated donation center addresses.#Woolseyfire #CaliforniaWildfires ? pic.twitter.com/5eDuunuaLt
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 10, 2018
Organizations that need immediate support for the victims, evacuees and first responders of the California fires: Updated
The American Red Cross You can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or visit the website. They're providing medical support, shelter and food on the ground. World Central Kitchen This amazing organization has served close to 5 million meals in the past year alone, for victims of natural disasters. According to a recent WCK tweet, Chefs for California (with the help of companies including Trader Joe's) are currently preparing thousands of fresh meals for both evacuees and first responders. They can use volunteers in the area, or donations toward meals. Visit their site, and follow @WCKitchen and @ChefJoseAndreas for up-to-the-minute details.
Paradise Elementary School
Photo via Rita Wilson on Twitter
The California Fire Foundation and the Firefighters Charitable Foundation
Two more organizations supporting the brave, heroic first responders on the front lines with emotional and financial assistance to current and fallen firefighters and their families.
The Baby2Baby Foundation
Baby2Baby is getting high-need items to children impacted by all three fires including diapers, wipes, blankets, strollers, portable cribs and warm jackets. They've created a Target registry including the specific items they need, though they're accepting financial donations as well.
Caring Choices: Emergency Volunteer Center
This Chico-based org has created an effective emergency center for thousands of volunteers they've activated, and are putting all their other efforts on hold for now. They need monetary donations to help keep their work going. (Over the long term they will need more volunteers, but there's currently a backlog in processing all the applications, which is wonderful. )
Animal Hope and Wellness
This California based rescue organization has put together an animal rescue team in Agora Hills to save pets that owners can't reach and transport them to safety. I imagine any support you can offer will be put to good use.
The Humane Society of Ventura County
This is a private nonprofit (unaffiliated with the American Humane Society) that serves the people and animals of Ventura County exclusively, with 100% of donations going directly to support the evacuated animals in the area.
Google and The Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Google has set up a simple donation form right in your browser through this link, with donation going to The Center for Disaster Philanthropy so they can best be distributed to impactful non-profit organizations doing the most good around California right now.
One more note: While some people may hear "Malibu" and read about the number of celebrities who have evacuated or lost homes and think that your help isn't needed, please know that the fires cover more than 70,000 acres in LA county alone as of this afternoon, while the Camp Fire in Butte County has consumed over 100,000 acres -- and is still only 20% contained.
We're talking about a very diverse area here. As for Malibu, Quinn Cummings has an outstanding thread about the geography and demographics and those who "live on the margins" that's worth a read if you're not familiar with the area.
Not that it matters how much your home is worth or how many people know your name when you're fleeing for your life. Not that it matters how valuable property may be when it's one of America's treasures and it's burnt to the ground.
On behalf of our entire team, our compassion, love, and support go out to everyone impacted by this tragic natural disaster.
Post last updated Nov 13, 2018
