According to a GoFundMe spokesperson speaking to CNN, over $100 million has been raised to assist families, communities, and businesses affected by the fires. This includes donations to support organizations like World Central Kitchen and Baby2Baby. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has stated that they will not provide funds for lost possessions covered by GoFundMe donations. Relief workers emphasize the importance of financial donations, as they can be quickly accessed and provide flexibility in meeting people’s immediate needs. An Instagram post highlighted the issue of an overflow of donated items, stressing that survivors require cash donations. Authorities warn the public to beware of charity scams and advise against donating cash or Bitcoin due to tracking difficulties. Some volunteers have created spreadsheets with GoFundMe links and fundraising details for families in specific communities and minority groups. Actress Tika Sumpter donated items for families with small children affected by the wildfires, reaching out via social media to provide tailored assistance to over 20 families.
Vera Colvert, a 14-year-old, has established a donation site aimed at gathering beauty and hygiene products for teenage girls affected by the Altadena Fire. Through the “Altadena Girls” Instagram page, Colvert has highlighted the necessity for items like bras, underwear, makeup, fragrances, nail polish, and hair straightening tools. A post on the page emphasized the importance of not just focusing on survival needs when disaster strikes, but also addressing the emotional and mental well-being of teenage girls who have lost everything.
In an interview with CNN affiliate KABC, Colvert shared that she has garnered support and donations from notable figures such as Ariana Grande and Charli XCX. Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Los Angeles community, Colvert commended the swift response of individuals who contributed to donation centers and the dedication of volunteers who have been actively involved since the onset of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Gaby Dalkin, an L.A.-based chef and author, mobilized her extensive social media following to assist impacted families and first responders battling the wildfires. Leveraging her platform, Dalkin rallied support to fulfill Amazon and Target wish lists for displaced families and raised funds for a local caterer to prepare breakfast burritos for firefighters. The initiative amassed approximately $13,500, resulting in the delivery of 1,350 burritos to those on the front lines.
Further aid has come from World Central Kitchen volunteers who have been distributing hot meals at shelters and public sites. Wendy Escobedo, emergency operations manager for World Central Kitchen, revealed that the organization is running 30-40 meal sites across Los Angeles in conjunction with local restaurants to provide comfort food options like burrito bowls, hibachi, burgers, and fried chicken with collard greens. To date, they have served around 79,000 meals to individuals grappling with displacement and other challenges stemming from the wildfires.
For those interested in supporting relief efforts, donations to the Red Cross can be made at redcross.org. Additionally, individuals looking to contribute clothing or household items are encouraged to visit 211la.org/LA-Wildfires to identify organizations accepting such donations and understand specific needs.
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