Helping CA Fire Victims and Supporting Children Through Difficult Conversations
As a mom and sleep coach based in California, my heart aches for the families who have been affected by the devastating California fires. The loss of homes, cherished memories, and a sense of safety is unimaginable. Recently, this tragedy hit close to home—my uncle in Malibu, and my dear friend of 40 years, Leigh and Sean of Altadena.This is a tragedy beyond words.
I hope that you and your families are safe during this difficult time. If your family has been impacted in any way, please know that my thoughts are with you. If there is a way I can offer additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In times like these, the strength of a community truly shines. I wanted to share a great list of resources for anyone interested in helping families navigate the aftermath of these devastating events.
Reputable Places to Donate:
If you’d like to explore ways to contribute, this article from The Cut put together a comprehensive guide to helping wildfire victims that I want to share.
The Dream Center: An L.A.-based charitable organization offering emergency shelter to those evacuated in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires.
Friends in Deed: A nonprofit providing services for the homeless, opening its Bad Weather Shelter amid the fires.
California Fire Foundation: Provides resources to firefighters, fallen firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve.
Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief: Provides N-95 masks, medicine, and resources to health-care agencies and first responders in affected areas.
California Community Fund: A recovery fund dedicated to helping wildfire victims.
Baby2Baby’s Fire Relief Fund: Provides diapers, food, formula, and essentials to vulnerable children and families.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Accepts donations for those in need of food assistance during the fires.
With/Creators’ Donation Drive: Partners with local organizations to provide impacted women with sanitary products and hygiene essentials.
International Medical Corps: Delivers relief supplies, including hygiene and first-aid kits, to those affected.
Americares: Provides medicine and medical supplies to wildfire victims.
GlobalGiving California Wildfire Relief Fund: Helps provide immediate essentials and long-term relief to Californians impacted by the fires.
Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster-Relief Efforts: Provides aid to wildfire survivors.
Project HOPE: On the ground in Los Angeles, providing urgent aid to wildfire survivors.
Save the Children’s Emergency Fund: Works to deliver essentials to impacted children and families.
Help Displaced Animals:
Canine Rescue Club: Offers temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the wildfires.
Fi Dogs GoFundMe: Raises money for Los Angeles animal shelters.
Talking to Children About the Fires:
For families with young children, it’s important to address their questions and fears about the fires with care and empathy. Experts recommend using age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening and reassuring children that they are safe. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions—whether they’re scared, confused, or sad. Creating a safe space for discussion and offering comfort can help children process the situation and feel supported. More guidance on this topic can be found in this Los Angeles Times article.
For the families affected, I hope you know that you are not alone. As a community, we stand with you. For those of us in a position to give, let’s show what compassion and kindness can accomplish.