Fire weary Californians who have seen several destructive blazes rage up and down the state — including the Woolsey and Hill Fires that wreaked havoc throughout the San Fernando Valley and Malibu — and forced thousands of evacuations, are looking for ways to express gratitude to firefighters and first responders who have done all they can to save lives and property.
Some ways are better than others.
Those wanting to specifically donate to firefighters have several options, including: lafd.org, firefamilyfoundation.org, and the widows, orphans and disabled firemen’s fund or wodff.org.
Those wishing to donate to victims of Woolsey and other fires can do so through the Red Cross at redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999, or call 1 (800)-RED CROSS. You can contact the United Way of Greater Los Angeles at unitedwayla.org and give to its disaster relief fund that goes to help low-income fire victims.
Other beneficial charities include the California Community Foundations Wildfire Relief Fund, or cafund.org, which has provided aid toward rebuilding homes, and financial and mental health assistance.
The California Fire Foundation, cafirefoundation.org, offers its Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program of emergency short-term financial assistance to fire and natural disaster victims in California year-round, including both firefighters and civilians.
In addition, a gofundme.com page has been established for fire victims in both Southern and Northern California.