Los Angeles Wild Fires Create an Opportunity for Relief

Growing up in Cottonwood Heights seems to lead children to an early interest and love of fire. I used to be enamored by it. I thought fire was the coolest thing on earth! One of my favorite holidays was Fourth of July due to all the great opportunities to play with fire. I used to try to light just about every non-living object on fire as well as loved to play with fireworks. I would later learn that fire was not so cool when it was not contained. When I was about 14 years old I saw my first wild fire. Some 20 year old went up to near the top of the mountains and recklessly through a cigarette into a really dry patch of land. The result of this... Almost the whole mountain burned down. This state is so dry that it doesn't take much for a fire to start to spread. Some of the worst fires in history are these recent fires in Southern California. The Santa Ana winds have spread the fires throughout 250,000+ acres in the Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties.

Given the scale of the fires and damage that has occurred to local Los Angeles residents, I have decided to provide information for ways that we can help with the fires here in the state. These fires have burned for many months and many people have lost their homes and had their lives changed and are in need of assistance. Below are a few national philanthropic organisations that we could support as they try and help those in need:

Thomas Fund Fire - One of the most devastating fires was the Thomas Fire. The United Way of Ventura County, American Red Cross of Ventura County, and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services have teamed up to create the Thomas Fire Fund. Text "UWVC" to 41444 to make a cash donation, call 805-485-6288, or go online to United Way of Ventura County's website. Checks with "Thomas Fire Fund" in the memo line can be mailed to 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93003.

The Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is accepting food and water at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Those interested in helping can donate cash by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visiting the website.

The Red Cross - The Red Cross of Los Angeles will update its social media accounts with information about volunteer opportunities. Those interested can make a cash donation on redcrossla.org or through phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Humane Society of Ventura County - The group has taken in over 100 animals. It would be helpful if willing citizens of the community dropped off any of the following items at 402 Bryant Street in Ojai: Alfalfa hay, Timothy hay, cat chow, rabbit food, flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, water troughs, bottled water, fruit, snacks, hoses, and power generators. Donate food and water for volunteers, or make a cash donation on HSVC's website.

Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation - This group provides supplies, training, and equipment to first responders charged with rescuing animals from areas stricken by natural disasters. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 100515, Pasadena, CA 91189-0515 or online through the LACACF website.

Direct Relief - This Santa Barbara based group donates 100% of funds given to wildfire victims. Donate money for supplies online and make sure you direct your donation to "Southern California Wildfires."

This article was written by Ryan Van Wagenen. Please contact him if you have any questions or would like to discuss ideas of how to strengthen the community. Ryan is from Cottonwood Heights and enjoys discussing and exploring opportunities to spread ideas for philanthropy.