By Virginie Boone

Unfortunately, here in Sonoma County we know a thing or two about fires and the time, resources and help from near and far that it requires to recover. While Los Angeles remains in the throes of ongoing fires and recovery efforts, there’s no better time to help our fellow Californians than right now.

Here are several organizations in need of donations and/or volunteers:

American Red Cross in the Los Angeles Region – serving more than 10 million residents in 88 cities across the county of Los Angeles, the Red Cross operates emergency shelters and warm meals to anyone in need and can help families find each other during the crisis, as well as counseling services during and after disasters

Baby2Baby – helping supply diapers, formula, blankets, food, water and clothing, Baby2Baby distributes to children and families who have lost their homes, been evacuated or are otherwise in need

California Community Foundation – a Wildfire Recovery Fund for Los Angeles is up and running, with the CCF activating this fund to give immediate relief as well as address long-term recovery needs down the road

GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 – responding specifically to the LA wildfires, this delivers cash grants directly to individuals; so far it has raised $2.6 million, hoping to reach $3 million for this effort. In 2024 it issued recovery grants to 150 people after wildfires in California, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.

Los Angeles Fire Department Fund – money will go to equipment and supplies for firefighters, including hydration backpacks, wildland brush tools to clear fire roads and create barriers and emergency fire shelters that deflect radiant heat and can save a firefighter overrun by flames

Los Angeles Food Bank – the food bank is coordinating with 600 partner agencies to help evacuees get fed, accepting both financial and food item donations

Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles – making meals for first responders and others in need

Pasadena Humane Society – working with field teams from across the country as well as regional animal care groups, Pasadena Humane is conducting search and rescue efforts for animals and taking in the displaced who need medical attention and shelter

The Giving Kitchen – giving financial assistance to food workers in crisis

The United Sommeliers Foundation – providing financial assistance for sommeliers experiencing job loss; an application specifically for the Los Angeles Fires is up now

Westside Food Bank – a food resource working across LA to feed people

Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund – specific to Los Angeles, this helps firefighters who have lost their homes as well as those who suffer injuries while saving lives and property

World Central Kitchen – Chef Jose Andres’s award-winning organization makes fresh meals for the front lines of climate, community and humanitarian crises, driven by the belief that food has the power to be the nourishment and hope we need to pick ourselves up in the darkest times; the link to specifically help Los Angeles is here

Image by: Los Angeles Times