As of this Thursday (16th), the wildfires in Los Angeles have already claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed over 12,000 buildings, and engulfed over 600,000 square miles, an area larger than the entire city of San Francisco. Tens of thousands of displaced residents are facing homelessness. The disaster has touched the hearts of countless individuals, with Southern California residents coming together to donate money, goods, or volunteering to help the victims navigate through this catastrophe.
Until the 16th, tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County are still under evacuation orders, in need of relocating to safe areas. They are facing various challenges such as housing, food, warmth, and medical care. During this period, the Los Angeles Chinese community has organized numerous donation activities, with some new immigrants also participating, showcasing the spirit of solidarity among the Chinese community in the face of disaster.
Among them, the Overseas Taiwan Compatriot Care Association (referred to as “OCCTCA”) and the MHG Hotel Group have collaborated to provide free hotel accommodations and breakfast for displaced families. The Embassy Suites by Hilton in Santa Ana, Orange County, has welcomed multiple affected families. OCCTCA has also launched a service for donating supplies. Donors can fill out information on their website, and volunteers will arrange for pick-ups.
The World Chinese Business Women Entrepreneurs Association Southern California Chapter (WCBWEA) not only raised funds and items but is also organizing an online disaster relief seminar on Sunday, the 26th, via Zoom, with the theme “The Road to Rebuilding.” Experts will be invited to share first-hand resources on government subsidies, SBA loans, current resident contacts, and key information. For inquiries, email [email protected].
For dedicated philanthropists, there are various ways to help disaster victims, including donating money or goods and signing up for volunteer teams. Before participating in volunteer work, it is necessary to contact via phone or email, check the organization’s work schedule on their website to confirm. To prevent looters from taking advantage of the situation, a curfew has been implemented in some areas of the Palisades and Eaton fire zones.
Currently, multiple groups are recruiting volunteers on a large scale. The main tasks include accepting, sorting, distributing donated items. Some of the donated items currently accepted by organizations include clothing, feminine products, fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol, cough syrup, pain relievers like Advil, and monetary donations.
Based on various information, below are some organizations recruiting volunteers and accepting/distributing donated items:
1. The Los Angeles Mutual Aid Network (MALAN) has listed numerous volunteer opportunities, with various organizations accepting donations. The network has established an updated worksheet (click the link), listing over sixty locations needing volunteers, their schedules, job descriptions, types of donated items accepted, and contact information. The information is current up to Friday.
Below the worksheet, there are over a dozen organizations requiring volunteers on a long-term basis (registration required), including LA Food Bank, Red Cross, My Safe LA, Stoney Clover Lane, Animal Hope & Wellness, LA Animal Service, Pasadena Humane Society, West LA Animal Shelter/LA Rabbits Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Pasadena Humane Society, etc.
MALAN also thoughtfully compiled a free resource form for dealing with wildfires and storms (MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources, click the link), listing by dates the free distribution of disaster relief supplies (detailed categories), available energy and networks, and free overnight accommodations information for each community. Victims need to pay attention to the distribution recipients; some are limited to police officers, lifeguards, and firefighters, etc.
2. The nonprofit organization Neighbors and Friends is accepting volunteer applications and has also established a Google sheet (click the link). Over five hundred people have registered to join their volunteer team. Work hours need to be checked on the form, with information current until Saturday (18th).
3. Register as a volunteer for “MySafe:LA” at the LA Regional Fire Safe Council website (click the link). This organization provides the necessary training for volunteers. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, commit to a consecutive 8 weeks of at least 4 hours of work per week. They are in need of volunteers such as nursing personnel, firefighters, construction workers, doctors, teachers, photographers, journalists, Red Cross volunteers, etc.
4. The community nonprofit organization “It’s Bigger Than Us.” Simply visit their headquarters in Leimert Park at 4308 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, to sign up for assistance. Tasks include transporting items, packing and distributing disaster relief items. Those interested can follow @shopbenicehavefun on Instagram or call (323) 681-2788.
5. The Hollywood Food Coalition provides food for the homeless, organizes dinner plans annually, and requires volunteers on weekdays to help receive and distribute food to other organizations. Address: 5939 Hollywood Blvd. Volunteers need to register online (click the link).
6. The Best Friends Animal Society is looking for volunteers willing to foster animals; the association provides resources needed to care for fostered pets. Volunteers need to fill out an application form online, complete a 15-20 minute onboarding training, create a volunteer profile, and sign some forms. For inquiries, call (818) 643-3989 or email [email protected].
7. Donate through Airbnb. Airbnb is collaborating with the 211 LA Health Services Hotline of Los Angeles County to provide free or discounted accommodation services for disaster victims. Many displaced individuals need a warm shelter environment but are unable to rest properly in evacuation centers, affecting their physical and mental well-being. Donors who want to help disaster victims can simply log onto the Airbnb website to contribute funds.
For donation purposes, due to recent attempts by fraudsters to take advantage and scam donations, it is essential to verify the identity of the recipient before making a donation. Additionally, it is advisable not to disclose important personal information, including phone numbers, online. Opt for secure contact methods such as emails.