Fighting Fires

California dreaming turned nightmarish this week as wildfires roared unabated through Los Angeles County. Entire communities that were thriving and beautiful just days ago have been reduced to ashes.

My talented LA-based friend and artist Zoe created the illustration above and penned a powerful letter to the fire to convey her feeling of living with packed bags, glued to her phone to monitor whether her family will have to flee their home on a moment’s notice. Earlier this week, my cousins lost their hometown of Altadena. My grad school friend and his family were evacuated. Our hearts have been heavy contemplating the stress, loss and destruction tens of thousands of Californians are facing.

As mushroom clouds continue to loom over the California skyline, we have compiled a list of resources for those who feel compelled to help. Click on the links in the organization names below to learn more about the types of aid each is providing. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Many organizations and individuals will be needed in the recovery effort. Even the smallest gesture can make a difference and is beneficial for both the recipient and the giver.

Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.

—Booker T. Washington

Direct Relief—This organization has been helping people rebuild their lives after humanitarian crises since 1948, responding each year to wildfires in California and the Western United States.

California Fire Foundation–-This foundation supports firefighters, their families and their communities, and it is working directly in communities affected by the current fires.

LA Food Bank–Working with dozens of partner organizations around LA to assess needs and direct resources to the people who need them, the LA Food Bank is collecting donations, food and supplies.

California Community Foundation–With a mission of encouraging system change to strengthen communities, this organization has prioritized the needs of underserved communities.

World Animal Protection–This organization has compiled a list of local animal shelters and created a Disaster Response Fund to aid in animal relief and rescue in the affected areas.

Editor’s Note: For those of you viewing our blog in email format, please visit our website to view Zoe’s incredible illustration or, even better, visit @ZoeGoesBig on Instagram to read her letter to the fire.