Rebuild Together: 3 Ways To Make A Difference For Those Impacted By The Southern California Fires
Some events stay with you, not because they affect you directly, but because of how deeply they shaped others. My teacher assigned a Times for Kids magazine about Hurricane Katrina in third grade. I remember the photos of New Orleans submerged and the stories of families who lost everything but still planned to rebuild. At seven, I felt sadness for the people impacted by the storm—and I realized that even well-meaning gestures, like my family's donations, couldn't erase the trauma they endured.
In the twenty years since Hurricane Katrina, natural disasters have continued to devastate communities. In 2025, wildfires raced across the Pacific Coast Highway, consuming neighborhoods and forcing millions to evacuate. People fled. I watched live videos of children and animals crying as they escaped, people sifting through the ashes of their lives, and strangers coming together to help. Ordinary individuals compiled lists of small businesses, nonprofits, and families in need, trying to rebuild what the flames had destroyed.
But disasters don't only bring out the best in people—they also reveal the worst. In times like these, scammers prey on generosity, creating fake stories about imaginary families, businesses, or nonprofits. How can I trust the links on a random social media feed? How do we ensure that our help reaches those who genuinely need it? Below are some actions people can take to help their loved ones and the Southern California community.
3 Ways To Help Those Impacted By Southern California's Fires
Check-in on People You Know
My main circle of friends and family is based on the East Coast. While I know some people in Los Angeles, I do not speak with them regularly. When the fires began, I watched them rapidly spread across the city, feeling powerless to help from thousands of miles away.
Trauma affects everyone differently, and individuals respond in various ways (Norman, 2025). Some people experience physical manifestations of stress, while others internalize it (ibid, 2025). Wanting to support the people I knew in Los Angeles, I called, texted, and emailed them.
If you're looking to check in on someone during a difficult time, here are a few simple text or email templates you can use:
Text Examples
Hi! With everything going on, I just wanted to let you know I'm here for you. Please let me know if you need anything.
Hey! I just wanted to check in to make sure you're okay.
Email Example
Subject: Hope You're Okay!
Body: It's been a while, but I just wanted to check in with everything going on in California. I hope you're safe and doing okay.
Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
Sincerely,
(your name)
Donate to Organizations
If you don't know someone in Southern California, it's hard to distinguish the real stories from the scams on the deluge of GoFundMe pages. I asked someone in Southern California if he knew of any vetted organizations I could donate to. He told me about how Billboard published an article discussing how people can help those impacted by the Southern Californian Fires. Check out the article to find reputable organizations where your support can make a difference.
Create Opportunities to Make a Difference in Southern California (send in-kind donations to fire victims)
There are ways to volunteer to help those impacted by the fires without being present in Southern California. You can start a food or clothing drive, donate in-kind donations to animal shelters, or give gently used bedding to the YMCA or JCC.
Conclusion: How To Come Together To Rebuild and Make A Difference In Southern California
I don't know when the fires will be contained and extinguished. But I do know that Southern California will rebuild, and it will shine brighter than ever—not only in the United States but across the globe. When you look back on this moment, you'll be able to say with pride, I didn’t sit idly by while others suffered. I stepped up to help in whatever way I could. I made a difference. Whether through checking in on loved ones, donating to trusted organizations, or creating opportunities to make a difference, every small act counts.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and show the world the power of community and compassion.
Citations
Norman, S. (n.d.). Common reactions after trauma. National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/isitptsd/common_reactions.asp
Comentarios