From art programs for displaced children to family fundraisers, here are more ways to support our California neighbors
The wildfires that devastated the Los Angeles area are finally contained. But a long road to recovery lies ahead. The needs are overwhelming, so I’ve been checking in with #MovementMakers involved in relief efforts about the best ways that we can all help.
Hope Through the Arts
First, let’s check in with Victoria White, the amazing Santa Monica-based artist whose Me-Set journey I shared with you last year. Thankfully, Victoria came through the disaster safely. But, like all of us, she’s heartbroken by the destruction and the loss experienced by so many other L.A.-area residents.
At the same time, though, she’s heartened by the “incredible power of collective unity, resilience, and courage that emerges in the aftermath of tragedy.” You won’t be surprised to learn that Victoria is doing her own part to help with recovery efforts:
- First, Victoria and her friends set up a clothing drive that has already helped dozens of families. If you like to buy from community-conscious businesses, retailers like True Classic and Hemline generously supported the drive.
- But that’s not all. Victoria is a board member and volunteer teacher with Indivisible Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps children cultivate mental health through the arts. With so many children in the area displaced and traumatized by the fires, Indivisible Arts is bringing its after-school curriculum to Santa Monica for the first time. To support these efforts, go to www.indivisiblearts.org to donate or even volunteer if you’re in the area.
- Finally, Victoria is donating a portion of proceeds from sales of her fine art and giftables to The Day After Tomorrow Fundraiser, happening March 8 at the Rose Bowl. This event is raising money for the Altadena Community Fund and the Palisades Community Fund. For information, tickets and to get involved, visit outstandinginthefield.com.
GoFundMe Updates
You may remember that my last article about the Los Angeles fires included information about how GoFundMe is helping the people whose lives were upended by this disaster. Since then, I’ve had the chance to check in with my friend Amanda Brown Lierman, the senior director for policy & engagement & executive director of GoFundMe.Org. Andrea shared some additional tips on how GoFundMe makes it easier for you to support Los Angeles residents in need.
- Start a fundraiser for an individual or on behalf of a charity responding to the crisis.
- Donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund. This fund is already making grants to people affected by the fires, helping to stabilize as many people as possible as they wait for longer-term aid.
- Visit GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Hub to find verified fundraisers.
If you’re looking for some GoFundMe campaigns to support, these two have been vetted by my friend Damon Brown. Like so many others, these families have heart-wrenching stories.
- The Monroe family, who lost their home in Altadena
- The Frazier family, whose home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire
Here are some other Go Fund Me website from families in Los Angeles:
More Ways You Can Help
- American Red Cross
- Baby2Baby
- California Fire Foundation
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy
- Convoy of Hope
- Core (Community Organized Relief Effort)
- Direct Relief
- Entertainment Industry Foundation
- Global Empowerment Mission Inc.
- GlobalGiving
- GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund
- LA Regional Food Bank
- Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
- Pasadena Humane
- United Way of Ventura County
- Ventura County Community Foundation
- Verified GoFundMe fundraisers for people affected by the California fires
- World Central Kitchen
Sources for this list: Charity Navigator, r/LosAngeles on Reddit, When Where What Austin
Copyright (c) 2024 Movement Maker. All rights reserved.
