How Texans can help those impacted by California wildfires
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- More than 180,000 people have evacuated and thousands of structures have burned as multiple fires continue to rage across the greater Los Angeles area Thursday, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
Amid the devastation, here are ways Texans can help donate or provide resources to those in need.
American Red Cross
Hundreds of American Red Cross workers are on the grounds in southern California to aid those fleeing from the fires, the nonprofit organization confirmed Thursday.
The American Red Cross is working alongside other disaster teams to offer shelter, food, relief services and support to those impacted.
"The organization is mobilizing hundreds more disaster workers to support the wildfire victims and moving truckloads of supplies like cots, blankets and water to be ready to support thousands of people in emergency shelters if needed," officials noted.
Those in need of help can contact the organization's Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for assistance. The hotline is free, operating 24/7 and has multiple languages available to assist.
Red Cross donation forms are available online. Those interested can write "California Wildfires 2025" in the memo line of their check and mail it alongside the form to their local Red Cross chapter to ensure it aids people specifically affected in this crisis.
People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation, or call 1-800-733-2767 to donate over the phone.
Additional resources on wildfire safety and Red Cross assistance are detailed online.
KXAN's parent company, Nexstar Media Group, also has a custom donation page to benefit those affected by the California wildfires.
Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that helps provide clothing, diapers and any basic necessities to children living in poverty across the country. The organization operates a Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program, which has distributed more than 60 million critical items to children impacted by emergencies or natural disasters within the U.S.
Donations to the program fund can be made on a one-time or recurring basis online.
California Community Foundation
The CCF Wildfire Recovery Fund will help aid impacted community members with both intermediate recovery services as well as long-term resilience.
"The fund has supported a diverse range of organizations addressing the needs of a diverse collection of communities including Native American, Muslim, migrant and non-native English-speaking communities, as well as food workers, individuals with disabilities, children and the elderly," the fund details read in part. "Additionally, we collaborate with local foundations and nonprofit organizations that provide emergency aid to wildfire survivors and first responders, bridging financial gaps to ensure continued support."
More than $32 million has helped support relief and recovery work via the fund since 2003. Those interested can donate here.
California Fire Foundation
Sacramento-based California Fire Foundation offers support to the "surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve," officials note online. Donations help cover aid to those impacted by wildfires and other natural disasters, and can be made on a one-time or recurring basis.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The CDP's California Wildfires Recovery Fund provides resources to community members across the state recovering from wildfires. The organization awards grants to nonprofits and community resources to assist in medium and long-term recovery efforts, "especially among populations made vulnerable by systemic inequities."
Community Organized Relief Effort
CORE is an LA-based humanitarian organization specializing in emergency response and preparedness, climate change mitigation and health access. The organization is currently responding to the greater Los Angeles fires, with an emergency response team helping disseminate masks, go-kits, hygiene kits and other protections.
Donations made will fund CORE's climate resiliency program and wildfire mitigation work.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for verified fundraisers related to the California wildfires. The hub features individual GoFundMe pages as well as an opportunity to donate to the organization's 2025 wildfire relief fund.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The LAFD Foundation helps financially back critical equipment and programs needed to support LAFD's operations. The nonprofit put out an emergency funding report to signify funds are needed to help LAFD members battling the greater LA fires.
Contributions will help support emergency fire shelter, hydration backpacks, wildland brush tools and other resources.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Food bank operators are connecting with the organization's network of more than 600 partner agencies to "assess their needs," officials said. Food pantry locators are available online.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations at its distribution sites in Los Angeles and Industry, California, and monetary donations can be made online.
Mutual Aid LA Network
MALAN has a resource guide detailing available shelters, animal boarding locations, distribution hubs and free items available to those impacted by the wildfires. Donations to aid the organization in its work can be made on a one-time or recurring basis online.
Project HOPE
Project HOPE is working on the ground in the Los Angeles area to help support local shelters, healthcare workers and marginalized community members. The organization's specialty is centered around shelter and mental health needs, officials told KXAN.
Those interested can make one-time or monthly donations online to specifically benefit those impacted by the California wildfires.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is working alongside government and nonprofit leaders to give food, personal necessities and shelter to survivors and first responders. Donations can be made online or by mail; mailed checks can include "SoCal Wildfires" in the memo line to guarantee the donation goes directly to southern California wildfire relief efforts.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen has deployed a relief team in southern California to assist on the ground with first responders and those affected by the wildfires. The organization is providing sandwiches and water in the interim as the organization works to "identify all areas of need," officials noted.
Donations to aid the WCK's meal distribution efforts can be made online.
Additional resources
211 LA is a local, nonprofit resource guide for those living in the LA area. The organization has a wildfires emergency updates page detailing the fires' current containment levels, evacuation order statuses, evacuation centers, animal shelters, power outage information, mental health support and food and shelter resources.
211 LA is collaborating with Airbnb to provide free, temporary housing for those displaced by the wildfires.
KXAN's sister station KTLA reported national gym chain Planet Fitness is offering first responders and those impacted by the fires free access to locker rooms, showers, electrical outlets and WiFi. That offer applies to locations throughout Los Angeles County that haven't been impacted by the fires.