{"id":305,"date":"2025-01-13T19:55:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T20:55:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/?p=305"},"modified":"2025-05-15T12:30:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:30:18","slug":"looking-for-ways-to-help-support-california-wildfire-victims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/13\/looking-for-ways-to-help-support-california-wildfire-victims\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking for Ways to Help Support California Wildfire Victims?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Here\u2019s how to help after a tragedy like the California wildfires.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11598895\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11598895\" style=\"width: 912px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-11598895 skip-lazy lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"A firefighter battling the California wildfires \" width=\"912\" height=\"647\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Los-Angeles-Fire-Department-Foundation-Picture-1.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C647&strip=all\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11598895\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit:<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Want to Help During a Tragedy? \u2764\ufe0f Here\u2019s How to Show Your Support.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Our hearts are so heavy as the devastating California wildfires continue to burn, leaving communities shattered and countless families displaced. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ashes, wildlife habitats destroyed, and brave firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames.<\/p>\n<p>We know the Hip community has always stepped up during difficult times, and if you\u2019re feeling called to help, there are meaningful ways to make a real difference. Whether it\u2019s donating to relief efforts, supporting first responders, or helping families rebuild their lives, every action counts.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how you can lend your support during this heartbreaking time (or any disaster, like Hurricane Helene).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>1. Donate money to reputable fundraisers.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-9499070 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"putting money into wallet\" width=\"912\" height=\"479\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/money-wallet-hip2save-e1579030996626.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\"><\/p>\n<p>Monetary donations are usually the most helpful in the event of a tragedy and every dollar counts. Funds provide help with evacuations, medical supplies, debris management, hazard mitigation, shelter, air drop efforts and truck deliveries, animal rescue, food, and more.<\/p>\n<p>In the face of most tragedies, major organizations like the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Red Cross<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Salvation Army<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United Way<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Feeding America<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Humane Society<\/a>, and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samaritan\u2019s Purse<\/a> often take donations.<\/p>\n<p>Currently, each of the above organizations are helping with the California wildfires and Hurricane Helene relief efforts, but there are many other worthy organizations worth checking out. See a short list below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><strong>Want to donate to those impacted by the California wildfires? Consider a donation to these other organizations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Americares<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Community Foundation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Fire Foundation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Volunteers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catholic Charities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Convoy of Hope<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Direct Relief<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GiveDirectly<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greater Good Charities \u2013 Animal Evacuation Efforts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Medical Corps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Los Angeles Regional Food Bank<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">League of California Community Foundations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mercy Chefs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pasadena Community Foundation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pasadena Humane Society<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Save The Children<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Central Kitchen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Team Rubicon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><strong>Want to donate to those impacted by Hurricane Helene? Consider a donation to these other organizations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Best Friends\u2019 Disaster Response<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Feeding the Carolinas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Feeding Florida<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Disaster Fund<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mercy Chefs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Metropolitan Ministries<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Operation Airdrop<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Save The Children<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Central Kitchen<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Be wary of scams.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, there will be parties looking to take advantage of a crisis. The Federal Trade Commission suggests you research an organization before making a donation. You can do so using sites like <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Charity Navigator<\/a>,\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Better Business Bureau\u2019s Wise Giving Alliance<\/a>, and\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Charity Watch<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Some helpful tips when donating are to avoid making cash donations, don\u2019t talk to pushy phone solicitors, and be skeptical of any \u201cpop-up\u201d charity organizations and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoFundMe<\/a> pages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>2. Give blood or donate plasma so there are always immediate supplies available.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11017201 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"woman donating blood, one way how to help after tragedy\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/american-red-cross-blood-donation-drive-2.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C608&strip=all\"><\/p>\n<p>Donating blood is one of the best ways how to help after a tragedy. Doing so can save lives and ensures hospitals have immediate access to supplies they need following any tragic event.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s usually a dire need to build up blood supply in the event of a horrific disaster, and the California wildfires and recent snowstorms and hurricanes are no exception. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">There is currently an urgent call for blood donations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The American Red Cross is one of the major organizations asking for blood donations. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit their website<\/a> or <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">download their app<\/a> to make an appointment. Other major organizations collecting blood in the wake of recent disasters are <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImpactLife<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">One Blood<\/a>\u00a0and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Blood Connection (TBC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p class=\"intro lead\">Here are other reputable blood and plasma donation centers located across the United States, if you\u2019d like to make a difference:<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.admabiocenters.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ADMA BioCenters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biolifeplasma.com\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BioLife Plasma Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bpositivetoday.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B Positive Plasma<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cslplasma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CSL Plasma<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grifolsplasma.com\/en\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grifols Plasma<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.immunotek.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImmunoTek BioCenters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/octapharmaplasma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OctaPharma Plasma<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Your local hospital<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>3. Volunteering your time is one way how to help after a tragedy.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11483810 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"American red cross volunteers demonstrating how to help after a tragedy\" width=\"912\" height=\"833\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Red-cross-volunteers-2-1.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C833&strip=all\"><\/p>\n<p>Aid survivors by volunteering with an organization providing relief. Your efforts are appreciated whether you volunteer with a major organization like the Red Cross or assist your local animal rescue, church, or shelter.<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<h3>Here are a few organizations looking for volunteers related to the California wildfires:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Red Cross<\/a> is looking for volunteers for a variety of positions like blood transportation specialists, disaster action team members, shelter services, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FEMA<\/a> is the Federal Emergency Management Agency that can help you find where to donate or volunteer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">California Volunteers<\/a> \u2013 Find volunteer opportunities related to the California wildfires.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Central Kitchen<\/a> is taking volunteers to help with meal preparation and delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samaritan\u2019s Purse<\/a> was recommended by Hip reader, Linda, as this international crisis relief group is currently recruiting volunteers to aid disaster relief (and taking monetary donations).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Operation BBQ Relief<\/a> is accepting volunteers to help distribute meals to those in need, including hurricane and wildfire survivors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mercy Chefs<\/a> is taking volunteers to help with the California wildfires.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<h3 class=\"intro lead\">Plus, volunteers are still needed to help Hurricane Helene & Milton survivors:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster<\/a> \u2013 Discover opportunities to volunteer with hurricane relief efforts throughout the Southeastern United States.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Volunteer Florida<\/a> will pair you with volunteer opportunities specifically benefiting hurricane survivors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VolunteerNC<\/a> has an urgent need for volunteers to help with food banks and hurricane relief efforts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>4. Donate goods.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9489345 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"non perishables\" width=\"912\" height=\"479\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/food-drive.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Monetary donations are usually the best way to help in a tragedy or disaster<\/strong>, but there is a place for in-kind donations too. Just keep in mind that natural disasters may cause flooding, widespread damage, and road closures which make accepting non-monetary donations difficult.<\/p>\n<p>Before donating goods over money, confirm with the organization that they have a need for the items you intend to drop off. Types of places that can really benefit from donations are animal shelters, churches, and food banks. Search your area to find local organizations that could use your help.<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<h3>Below are a few places that need in-kind donations related to the California wildfires:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank<\/a> is taking in-kind donations including personal care items and non-perishable goods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Feeding America<\/a> is accepting food donations and volunteers at food banks near you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pasadena Humane Society<\/a> in California has a wish list of pet-related items like dog food and bedding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles<\/a> is accepting in-kind donations like baby formula, air purifiers, instant coffee, peanut butter, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<h3 class=\"intro lead\">For in-kind donations related to Hurricane Helene, consider this organization:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hearts With Hands<\/a> is taking several in-kind donations for hurricane survivors \u2013 including pet supplies and baby supplies \u2013 at their warehouse in Swannanoa, NC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>5. Keep the conversation going.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10901084 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"woman shouting in mega phone\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/woman-shouting-in-mega-phone.jpg?resize=1024%2C640&strip=all\"><\/p>\n<p>National disaster and clean-up efforts continue long after the news stories stop. So do the feelings of surviving a tragedy. That\u2019s why one of the best things you can do for victims is to continue to ask how they are doing and offer your help when able.<\/p>\n<p>When you find an organization that you feel does honorable relief work, spread the news and tell your friends and family about it too. Hopefully, this will keep relief efforts going strong.<\/p>\n<p>As time begins to pass, it\u2019s important to remember that survivors will still be repairing their communities \u2013 <em>and their hearts \u2013 <\/em>for a long time to come.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to check up on your loved ones in the upcoming months. \ud83d\udc9b<\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<h3 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>Do you know a California wildfire survivor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you know a wildfire survivor, make sure they are aware of all the organizations listed above. Additionally, tip them off about organizations that can provide quick cash relief, like <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DirectRelief<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure they also know about <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">211LA<\/a> where they can stay up-to-date on the latest closures and fire statistics plus get community resources and find temporary lodging.<\/p>\n<p>Pass along the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FEMA website<\/a> where they can apply for assistance or get some immediate help. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USA.gov<\/a> also has information on how to apply for financial assistance after disasters.<\/p>\n<p>If in need of counseling or an ear to listen, contact the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Disaster Distress Helpline<\/a> at 1-800-985-5990 or the 988 Crisis Hotline by dialing 988 or visiting <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">988lifeline.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, if you are searching for a loved one in the aftermath of the wildfires, contact <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wildfire Family Assistance Centers<\/a>. This organization can assist in reunification, as well as, provide a plethora of resources for survivors in topics like housing, tax relief, and filing insurance claims.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p class=\"intro lead\" style=\"text-align: center\"><em>Our hearts go out to all those affected by the California wildfires. \u2764\ufe0f<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"intro lead\" style=\"text-align: center\"><em>If you know of a great organization we missed, please share with us in the comments!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign up for our emails to stay up-to-date on important posts!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s how to help after a tragedy like the California wildfires. Credit: Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Want to Help During a Tragedy? \u2764\ufe0f Here\u2019s How to Show Your Support. Our hearts are so heavy as the devastating California wildfires continue to burn, leaving communities shattered and countless families displaced. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=305"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":306,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305\/revisions\/306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}