NEW YORK—As wildfires continue in the Los Angeles, California area, Americans across the country are stepping up to help however they can in ways both small and large. On January 8, President Biden approved a disaster declaration for the state, CBS News reported, while humanitarian groups and nonprofits on the ground are providing immediate assistance. For those far away from the active fires, it might feel hard to help—but there are a number of resources for people affected by the fires that those in safety can support.

GoFundMe has created a centralized hub on its website to donate to those impacted by the fires. This webpage houses all the verified GoFundMe requests created by people affected by the fires, as well as links to larger organizations helping on the ground.

The Los Angeles Times has put together a helpful, comprehensive list for anyone looking to help. First, of course, is the Los Angeles Fire Department—donations can be made online to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which will go toward equipping firefighters with emergency shelters, hydration backpacks and tools, the Times reported.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is collecting emergency funding to supply tools and resources to first responders. Image via lafdfoundation on Instagram


For those not near the fires who wish to help, the Times has a running list of several large and mid-sized organizations that are working on the ground to support communities impacted by these fires by providing shelter, food, medical services and more. All accept donations. These organizations include:

The American Red Cross shared a number of ways to help people affected by fires in California. Image via americanredcross on Instagram


The California Fire Foundation supports firefighters and their communities. Image via cafirefound on Instagram


Time recommends supporting CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation, which provides aid to firefighters and their families.

For those in and around the area who would like to help on a hands-on level, the Los Angeles Times reported that many local organizations are accepting in-person donations. These include:

  • Lagartijas Climbing Crú, a climbing club in Los Angeles which has created a Google spreadsheet to connect victims of the fires with people who can donate.

  • The YMCA Koreatown locations, which are accepting donations of items such as food, clothes, blankets, masks and more.

  • Bike Oven biking store in Los Angeles, which is acting as a donation hub for food, toiletries, masks and other necessities.
The Los Angeles Times has created a comprehensive and regularly updated list of ways to help. Image via latimes on Instagram


FEMA is on the ground providing help to residents in California. Image via fema on Instagram


In addition to helping people in the line of these fires, animals also need help. The Canine Rescue Club is looking for volunteers to foster dogs displaced by fires; Pasadena Humane is working with shelters to take in animals and accepts monetary donations online.

The Los Angeles Times will continue to update its list of resources here.

Meanwhile, NBC Los Angeles has created a list of resources for those in the area who need aid. The regularly updated list includes information on free or discounted Uber and Lyft rides, emergency housing, shelters, pet care and more.

To stay up to date on the fires, visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s website.