Los Angeles Wildfire Aid: Small efforts make a big impact

The devastation of the Los Angeles fires is weighing on our country. Many of us on the east coast (and in other areas) are wondering how we can help. 

Major companies have stepped up in a variety of ways, from Airbnb to Disney, offering housing, services and monetary donations. Paramount will donate $1 million to relief efforts, provide cash grants and temporary housing to those impacted, as well as emotional assistance. 

If you are a smaller company or individual who wants to help but doesn’t know where to start, here are a few ways:

👕 Donate items to a household in need. Donating directly to a personal connection means they get the items quickly without an intermediary. Ask them what they need and only give what they need. Clothing and essential care items will go a long way.

💵 Financial donations to help rebuild. GoFundme has created a page with verified fundraisers for those impacted. Or, you can donate to their relief fund that has raised $2.9M out of their $5M goal. 

🏫 Nonprofit donations. My friends at Givsly will actually make a donation to a nonprofit on your behalf. On top of that, there are several non-profits on the ground in LA providing relief in various forms. List below:

• The Salvation Army

• Save the Children

• Los Angeles Fire Dept Foundation

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

• Airbnb.org

⌚ Donate your time. If you are driving distance, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN) has put together a resource library for both those in need of aid and those who want to help.

Whether you are 1 mile or 3,000 miles away, in situations like this, every small effort combined makes a big difference. 🌎 👫 🙏

If there are any other ways to help, please add them in the comments below.