Not to be a total bummer, but it's gonna be a rough Thanksgiving for some of our fellow Californians. Following the horrific Thousand Oaks mass shooting less than two weeks ago, wildfires have left at least 77 dead in the Northern California city of Paradise and 3 dead in Malibu, as well as destroyed thousands of homes as businesses. The LA Times reports that the Camp fire in Butte County has burned through 15,000 buildings, while the Woolsey and Hill fires have wiped out nearly 1,500 structures in Ventura and LA Counties.
Given that we're heading into the giving season, there are plenty of ways to support our fellow residents in the Golden State, including many who are mourning the loss of loved ones or are now displaced. That's why we've rounded up ways to donate your money, time, and energy towards the relief and rebuilding efforts.
As many authorities and experts have stressed, the easiest and most efficient way to help is to donate funds to disaster relief organizations; we've listed them below, along with other fundraising campaigns led by independent groups and nonprofit foundations as well as ways to shop for a cause.
Donate Directly
LA Fire Department Foundation: Support the first responders of the Thousand Oaks shooting and the Southern California wildfires.
Humane Society of Ventura County: In addition to providing sanctuary for dogs, cats, horses, and other domesticated animals affected by the wildfires, the animal care shelter is also accepting donations to support its efforts.
One Love Malibu: Organized by LA designer Tori Praver and Flynn Skye founder Amber Farr, the organization seeks to raise $250,000 to help those affected via its Gofundme campaign; you can also follow @onelovemalibu on Instagram for more info on where to donate goods and supplies.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles: In partnership with United Way of Ventura County, the nonprofit organization has created the Southern California Disaster Relief Fund to help low-income individuals and families affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires.
United Way of Northern California: Butte County officials are recommending that donations be given to the nonprofit organization.
Ventura County Community Foundation: The organization is supporting relief and recovery efforts for those affected by the Thousand Oaks shooting as well as the Hill and Woolsey fires.
Donate Food, Supplies, and Shelter
Airbnb: Open up your home to those who have been displaced and offer to host them free temporarily.
Baby2Baby: The nonprofit organization has set up a Target registry for the items needed most for victims of the California wildfires.
Malibu Lumber Yard: Although the lifestyle center is closed due to the fires, it's partnering with Malibu Foundation to collect donations for those in need; drop off donations are accepted Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow @malibufoundation on Instagram for additional updates.
Malibu Lumber Yard, 3939 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 90265
Shop for A Cause
One Love Malibu Fundraiser at Shorebar: Tuesday, November 20, Brody and Kaitlyn Jenner along with One Love Malibu organizers Tori Praver and Amber Farr (among others) will host an evening fundraiser to benefit the Malibu wildfire relief efforts. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $200, while table packages (which include champagne and Casamigos tequila) range from $1500 for five guests to $2500 for 10 guests; 100% of proceeds go to One Love Malibu. Food and supply donations will also be accepted on site; buy tickets and get more info at Eventbrite here.
Shorebar, 112 Channel Rd., Santa Monica, 90402
Decades: Saturday, November 24, the pre-loved luxury designer boutique is donating 20% of all proceeds during Small Business Saturday to the LA Fire Department; owner Cameron Silver will also be on hand and shoppers who spend $500 or more will receive a signed copy of his book, Decades: A Century of Fashion.
8214 Melrose Ave., LA 90046; (323) 655-1960
Capsul Jewelry: 100% of proceeds from the brand's Malibu signature necklace ($65) will be donated to One Love Malibu's relief efforts.
James Perse: In an effort aid those affected by local wildfires and the recent Thousand Oaks mass shooting, the Malibu-based luxury designer is donating 100% of profits from two California Relief tees to California Fire Foundation and Direct Relief. Pre-order the Woolsey Fire Relief tee or the Thousand Oaks Relief tee for $125, $250, $500, or $1,000 at Perse's website here.
Lemonhead: The LA-based glitter beauty brand will donate $10 of every purchase of its "I <3 Malibu" trio ($65) to the Humane Society of Ventura and the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund.
For Those Affected
Airbnb: Those who have been displaced can apply for free, temporary housing
Parachute Home: Per the brand: "If you or a loved one have been impacted by these natural disasters, whenever you're ready, we'll be here to help you feel at home again. Just reach out to relief@parachutehome.com, and we will provide you with complimentary bedding and bath essentials to offer a bit of comfort during this incredibly difficult time."
Other resources: See the LA Times's full list of local assistance shelters here.
