Safe ways to help victims of the fires

Published on February 01, 2025

After every disaster, scammers sadly try to trick good-hearted people who want to donate to those in need.

Be careful about giving to organizations you are not familiar with, or clicking on links from sources you do not trust. 

The California Contract Cities Association—of which Lakewood is a founding member—has created the list below of well-regarded, reputable non-profits that are helping Los Angeles area families impacted by the recent fires, as well as the first responders who are on the front lines fighting the fires and managing the response.

Wildfire resources that are safe to support

• Financial donations enable the American Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
• The Salvation Army is providing critical aid, like shelter, food, and support across southern California through their Emergency Disaster Fund. 
• World Central Kitchen is working with restaurant and food truck partners to provide meals to feed first responders.
• Westside Food Bank provides meals to those in need and is helping with bulk donations of goods during the fires.
• Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation Wildfire Emergency Funding is seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies such as emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.
• The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County. They are accepting food donations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its two distribution centers: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, 90058, and 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, 90601.
• The Pasadena Community Foundation has opened the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, providing an opportunity to support immediate and pressing needs even as the fire continues to spread.
• Wildfire Recovery Fund - California Community Foundation supports communities with both intermediate recovery and long-term resilience to rebuild and restore the lives of California’s most affected and underserved populations.
• Los Angeles area YMCA's Centers for Community Well-Being are serving as a community resource and emergency relief site. Several locations are accepting essential items donations for victims.
• The Rotary Club of Lakewood is also helping and encourages donations to their regional Rotary effort to help the victims of the wildfires.

Other Lakewood community organizations are also taking part in regional assistance efforts. We will update this page as information becomes available. 

Thank you for keeping the victims of the Southern California fires and the first responders in your thoughts and prayers now and in the days ahead.