How Philly-area residents can help those affected by the California wildfires

More than a dozen people have been killed so far by the still-expanding wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, with tens of thousands of people displaced.

Among the evacuees are Philly native Rob McElhenny and his family. McElhenny, star and creator of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” posted on social media that he and his family were safe.

For Philadelphians with roots in Southern California, the destruction hits close to home. Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, director of exhibitions and programming at The Temple Contemporary and a California native, told WHYY’s Billy Penn that seeing friends and families impacted by the wildfires has been “painful.” He’s been working to share resources on his Instagram page.

Some area residents are contributing directly to on-the-ground relief efforts. Philly and New Jersey volunteers with the American Red Cross have been deployed to help support emergency services for evacuees.

For Philadelphians who can’t help in person, here are some ways to support those affected by the wildfires through donations. And as Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, told 6abc, although there are many urgent needs now, the recovery efforts will “take years,” so think about supporting the work of a particular organization or group beyond the immediate future.

Emergency relief

American Red Cross

The national organization has more than 200 volunteers on the ground helping those displaced by the fires. Donations will help volunteers and workers provide shelter, food, health services and other support to evacuees. You can donate online, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.

California Fire Foundation

The foundation works with local organizations and fire departments to support people impacted by the fires. The foundation is accepting donations on their website. 

Charity Navigator

The website lists highly-rated organizations that are providing emergency relief in the Los Angeles Area.

Direct Relief

The California-based nonprofit provides disaster relief and medical assistance and is currently working with local government and other partners to meet the needs of those impacted by the wildfires.

Emergency Network Los Angeles

ENLA helps coordinate emergency responses alongside government and nonprofit partners.

Islamic Relief USA

The national organization has been responding to disasters throughout the country for more than a decade. Its disaster management team is working with local shelters and first responders to deliver much-needed food and supplies. It’s accepting donations online.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

Donations help the foundation provide additional equipment and resources to the more than 1,100 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The foundation is accepting donations on their website.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

They’re accepting financial donations on their website to provide food and other products like hygiene items and phone chargers to those impacted.

Pasadena Humane

The animal shelter and animal resource center has taken in over 400 animals from the Eaton Fire emergency, many of them with burns and other injuries that require medical attention. Additional funds will help staff purchase much-needed medical supplies and more. The shelter is accepting donations on its website.

The Salvation Army

The organization provides both emergency aid and long-term support to those impacted by the wildfires and is accepting donations on its website.

World Central Kitchen

The aid organization, headed by chef José Andrés, currently has volunteers on the ground serving meals to first responders and the public in the Greater Los Angeles area. The organization is accepting donations on its website.

Long-term support

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund

The Wildfire Recovery Fund addresses long-term recovery efforts in the aftermath of the fires, including housing, case management and mental health care for people who have been displaced, as well as rebuilding infrastructure. You can donate to the fund online.

GoFundMe

The fundraising platform has a page highlighting verified fundraisers from people who have lost homes, been displaced or otherwise impacted by the wildfires. For many people, these fundraisers are going towards rebuilding their home. GoFundMe also has its own fundraiser, Wildfire Relief Fund 2025, which will be distributed as cash grants to individuals on the site who are fundraising in the aftermath of a wildfire.

Team Rubicon

This veteran-led organization is already working on the ground to help with recovery and response efforts. It said it will remain in the area “for the indefinite future” to support long-term recovery. You can donate to those efforts on their website.

United Way of Greater Los Angeles

The organization has a designated Wildfire Response Fund, which is accepting online donations to help support longer-term recovery efforts.

Associated Press reporter Gabriela Aoun Angueira contributing reporting.