In the recent fires ravaging Southern California, thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed; countless people and animals have been displaced. Three fires are burning throughout the Los Angeles area, the largest being the Palisades fire, which is now 95% contained according to Forbes . While many people have lost their homes, the community is coming together to help each other. We aren’t close to the devastation but there are many organizations working to improve the conditions of the victims.
Pets and other animals have been hit hard by the fires; Many pets are suffering from burns while also losing their homes and families. The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is an organization working to help these animals. They are encouraging people to foster these animals to reduce the number of pets in the shelters as they quickly fill up. An alternative option is to donate money to provide for food, toys, and shelter.
The American Red Cross is also providing shelter, food, water, health care, and emotional support to victims and pets. They are accepting donations for their emergency care centers. The fastest way to contribute is to text them “ REDCROSS” to 90999.
Countless organizations are accepting donations and support for both victims and first responders. Food banks and clothing drives are great options. A Miramonte student has played a direct role in helping those affected by the fires. Recently, senior Michael Kurtzman collected donations from our local community for the victims and drove them down to a shelter called 9thirty in LA.
“We opened up the donations on Friday and kept them open until Sunday at 6AM where we took our U-Haul and another car and drove down to LA,” Kurtzman said. “We didn’t think we would need much space because the window to donate wasn’t open for very long, but the community support was immense as we got $5,000 in donations and over $120,000 in terms of physical goods like diapers, formula, shoes, and clothes.”
At the shelter, 9thirty, a former concert venue, they unloaded their donations and worked with other volunteers from LA to create living spaces for the victims, ensuring privacy in the public area. Senior Komal Aujla contributed to Kurtzman’s donations.
“We gave Michael shirts, pants, and shoes. I believe it’s important because thousands of people lost their homes in the fires and donating anything we can is helpful,” Aujla said.
Our community has provided many opportunities and ways to get involved to improve the conditions of these people and animals. Go make a difference!
