We’re beginning a new series: Fundraiser Fridays! Here at Kidtivity.com, we love to share free and low-cost activities for families. However, these activities only exist because of the nonprofits and community organizations who run them. Without generous donations, they simply wouldn’t be possible.
We want to honor the organizations that make communities great. Each Friday, we’ll be featuring an organization (or group of organizations!) that is working hard to make a difference.
Please consider supporting these organizations financially by donating, or show your gratitude by writing cards/emails/ comments on their pages. Thank you for your support.
Fundraiser Friday: California Wildfires
We’ve all seen the news: LA County has been devastated by some horrific wildfires. It’s hard to know how to help from thousands of miles away, but I’ve been collecting lists of places that have “boots on the ground-” as well as some organizations here in CT who are working to send resources.
Got a resource? Email it to me at Kate@Kidtivity.com and I’d love to be able to consider adding it!
Note about Charitable Organizations:
These are all organizations I feel fairly confident recommending, but we always recommend doing your own research before donating anywhere. It’s important to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL about donating to organizations who pop up out of nowhere after a disaster. The FBI has a task force dedicated to charity fraud:
“Charity fraud schemes seek donations for organizations that do little or no work—instead, the money goes to the fake charity’s creator. While these scams can happen at any time, they are especially prevalent after high-profile disasters. Criminals often use tragedies to exploit you and others who want to help.”
Read more about their tips here.
The best thing you can do is give to established charities or groups whose work you know and trust- and use these tips from the FTC to avoid falling victim to a scam.
Now that that’s out of the way, here’s how you can help:
California Community Fund:
From their website:
“For the LA County wildfires, we’ve activated our fund to complement immediate relief, addressing the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods long after media attention has shifted away. Thousands of generous individuals, foundations, and corporations have already answered the call and provided critical contributions. Our disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents. It also aids in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families.”
LA County YMCA:
The Y provides critical services: Free Childcare, Showers, Wi-Fi, and Essential Services across LA County:
- Offer shelter, showers, and basic amenities
- Childcare services for first responders and displaced families (5yrs and up)
- Expanded hours of operation to meet the growing needs of our displaced Angelenos
- Mental health services for community members and resource guidance
- Distribution of emergency supplies
- And so much more!
This short term relief is life changing for families.
You can help by giving to their community fund. They’re also seeking the following items:
- Diabetic friendly food
- Instant coffee
- Powder creamer
- Baby formula
- Peanut butter/jelly supplies – non peanut butters as well
- Cereal
- Reusable bags/grocery bags
- Luggage
- Gloves – winter, working
- Sleeping equipment (sleeping bags, mats, blankets, pillows, air mattresses)
- air purifiers
- heaters
American Red Cross
Wednesday morning more than 750 evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters, many of whom are struggling after losing everything. Disaster health volunteers are caring for minor injuries and replacing things like eyeglasses and medications for those in our shelters, and mental health workers are providing emotional support to those experiencing unimaginable loss.
Red Cross caseworkers are helping shelter residents plan their next steps and connect them with other community resources. The top priority is housing, but they’re also helping people with transportation, health care, childcare and other needs. They are working with partners to expand these services to help people who need extra support that are temporarily staying in short term rentals. In addition, they are working with local advocates to connect with and offer assistance to people who are undocumented and may not feel comfortable coming to shelters.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services USA response teams are on site in Southern California providing relief to first responders and those affected by these devastating wildfires. They are currently providing evacuees with meal service at 5 different evacuation shelters in the area.
In response to a disaster, the Salvation Army works in conjunction with government and non-profit agencies to provide food, personal necessities, and shelter to survivors and first responders (i.e. firefighters, police and sheriff’s departments).
Pasadena Humane Society
Pasadena Humane is doing some incredible work for displaced and injured pets. They are on the ground looking for animals seen alive in the area and in urgent need of medical attention, as well as cases where owners have been forced to leave their pets behind.
It’s the largest operation the organization has ever had to deal with, and they desperately need help. See their work here and consider donating.
ASPCA
In response to the devastating wildfires burning across Southern California, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has announced a $5 million California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund to provide critical funding to animal welfare organizations responding to animal needs due to the wildfires. This is a great way to help local shelters.
This article will continue to evolve as we learn of more needs.
