The incredible efforts of firefighters have made significant progress in fighting Los Angeles’ wildfires, but the city still faces a daunting and difficult road to recovery. With so much out of our control, and with even more winds blowing this week, it’s easy to feel helpless and at the mercy of Mother Nature.
However, one thing we can control is how we show up to each other. And Angelenos have been coming out to see each other in droves, in fact, many relief centers reached capacity over the weekend with both donations and volunteers. It’s a much-needed ray of hope in the midst of dire times and makes us all the more proud to live in this great city.
But the work isn’t over yet, and with so many companies and nonprofits stepping up to help, it’s hard to navigate it all and decide where your efforts will have the most impact. can be difficult. Fortunately, Mutual Aid LA, which acts as a “mutual aid connector and information hub,” brings together dozens of volunteering opportunities into one highly useful resource.
Check out our spreadsheet to see where volunteers and donations are needed, easily organized by date or region. The following weekday slots are available: Also, if you’re busy with work all week, you can check the ongoing/future tab to see which projects you’ll be involved in. It doesn’t matter what your skills are: planning, babysitting, cooking, architecture, etc. You will find a way to help. Some opportunities require you to register in advance, while others allow you to help by simply showing up.
Photo: Michael Giuliano for Time Out
The full extent of the damage to Los Angeles’ natural habitats and popular hiking trails is still unknown, but Eaton Canyon, home to some of our favorite waterfall hikes, has been particularly vulnerable to damage since the nature center burned down. It remains in my head. You can volunteer for future recovery efforts by emailing eatoncanyon@parks.lacounty.gov with your contact information.
If you don’t have time and would rather donate money, there are endless ways to get involved and you can choose several different routes. Larger organizations include the Red Cross (click “California Wildfires” when asked why you want to help), the Salvation Army, Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, and the Pasadena Humane Society, which is home to hundreds of displaced pets. You can donate to non-profit organizations. being taken care of. Learn about other nonprofit options here.
Most of us already know someone who, directly or indirectly, lost everything in these fires. And with so many heartbreaking stories we’ve all come across in the news and on social media, there are undoubtedly countless more that have yet to be shared. If you’d like to donate on a more personal level, directly to a specific person or family that has touched your heart, check out this comprehensive list GoFundMe has put together for those affected by the fires. Please.
Photo: Provided by Bunny Museum
Thankfully, this site has taken the time to verify these fundraisers, while some may be trying to take advantage of the current situation with fake campaigns, which may be unthinkable. Case in point: There was an early scammer who tried to raise money for a popular quirky establishment that burned down in Altadena as a bunny museum. Co-owner Candice Frazee currently runs an official GoFundMe page where you can donate to help raise funds for the museum’s rebuilding. (We’ve also compiled links to donate to local restaurants affected by the fire.)
The Eaton Fire also hit Altadena’s black community particularly hard. With that in mind, a spreadsheet started circulating over the weekend that specifically collects the names and GoFundMe links of more than 450 Black displaced families. Similarly, a list of links for teachers who have lost their homes can also be found here.
Finally, GoFundMe also has its own 2025 Wildfire Relief Fund, which will send “critical cash grants directly to those in need of assistance recovering from the impacts of wildfires.” As of this writing, it has already raised more than $2.6 million toward its $3 million goal.
Whichever way you choose to participate in recovery efforts, please stay involved. Even a dollar or an hour helps. I love you, L.A.
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