As firefighters tirelessly work to contain rapidly growing infernos that have torched over 29,000 acres of land in Southern California as of Thursday afternoon, there are several ways North Jersey residents can lend a hand.
At least five deaths have been confirmed, with more deaths possible as fires continue their spread or new ones ignite, hundreds of homes have been destroyed, tens of thousands have been left without power and have been forced to evacuate their homes. President Joe Biden signed a disaster declaration for California at the request of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called for a state of emergency Tuesday night.
The Palisades Fire in the coastal Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles County is the largest of at least five fires, burning over 17,000 acres with 0% containment as of Thursday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The cause of the fires is still unknown; however, low humidity and Santa Ana winds have made the fire immeasurably worse.
Here in North Jersey, residents have taken to social media to express their grief for friends, family and complete strangers who have lost their homes, belongings, businesses, pets, valuables, land and so much more.
Sadly, there may be people looking to take advantage of others generosity, so NorthJersey.com has scanned and vetted local and national organizations that are providing critical care to those in need. Here are ways you can help:
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides emergency relief and long-term recovery assistance to those affected by disaster. Although New Jersey may be roughly 2,700 miles from the devastation, making it difficult to donate much-needed items such as clothing, flashlights and protective equipment, monetary donations are welcome.
The nonprofit organization is on the ground partnering with government and non-profits to provide meals, personal necessities and shelters to survivors and first responders. They also provide emotional and spiritual care.
Here are ways to donate:
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By mail: The Salvation Army – Disaster Relief, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has opened an emergency shelter in Los Angeles, providing shelter for individuals and their pets displaced by the wildfires, as well as food, water, health and emotional support services.
The nonprofit organization also has three other shelters in place and plans to add more as needed, Los Angeles Regional Executive Director Joanne Nowlin said to ABC News. They are also operating a shelter for large animals and livestock at Pierce College in Los Angeles.
To donate via Paypal or credit card, visit the website here.
Wildlife Recovery Fund
The Wildlife Recovery Fund, managed by the California Community Foundation, supports communities with intermediate as well as long-term recovery efforts. The nonprofit aims to rebuild and restore the lives of California’s most affected and underserved populations, including Native American, Muslim, migrant and non-native English-speaking communities, as well as food workers, individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly, the website states.
Contributions can be made on their donation page.
Wildlife Relief Fund via GoFundMe
Donating to a GoFundMe account not knowing where the funds are going can be unnerving, but GoFundMe has verified that donations from the fundraiser Wildlife Relief Fund is legitimate.
Cash grants are given directly to individuals who are directly impacted by wildfires in the U.S. GoFundMe ensures donations are given to those who qualify for relief as well as small businesses or vetted nonprofits coordinating long-term recovery.
To donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community organizations in California to provide direct financial support to residents, firefighters and their families that have been impacted. Tax-deductible donations can be made on their website here.
Pasadena Humane Society
The Pasadena Humane Society has taken in over 300 animals due to evacuations, with staff and volunteers working around the clock to help with their care.
The non-profit animal rescue is treating burns and injuries of animals in their intensive care area, providing them with wound care, pain medications, fluid and oxygen as needed. They are also working with shelters across the state to take in animals already in their care so that they can focus on displaced and injured animals that need immediate assistance, the shelter said.
Monetary donations are their biggest need right now. To donate, visit their website.
More organizations to help Pacific Palisades wildfires
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The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation – Supplying resources to firefighters battling the wildfires, such as emergency personal fire shelters for firefighters, hydration packs and wildfire tools
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The CAL Fire Benevolent Foundation – Provides financial aid to firefighters and their families who have lost homes, been injured or have lost their lives due to wildfires
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World Central Kitchen – The organization’s Los Angeles Relief Team is providing meals to first responders and victims
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Canine Rescue Club – Providing emergency shelter and safety for displaced dogs, helping cover costs of medical care for injured or at-risk dogs, supplying food and essentials and fostering displaced dogs
Email: lcomstock@njherald.com; Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: California wildfire fundraisers and how to help victims