Comicon Suggests A Few Ways To Help Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

This has not been an easy week in the Los Angeles area. And though we like to keep things light here at Comicon, the wildfires scaring the Southern California landscape cannot be ignored.

First, I’ll admit I live in a relatively safe part of the county — from a fire perspective — but it is impossible to see the footage on television or social media and not be alarmed, concerned, and other verbs that don’t really convey the emotions behind them. In the areas consumed by the blazes, it is a total nightmare. In our geeky community, people like David Booher, Steven T. Seagle, and Andrew Robinson have already lost their homes. I know more than one person also facing the daunting task of recovery. And yet, even without the personal stories, I would be compelled to put together a short list of ways those outside of LA can help with relief efforts.

As things currently stand while I write this, the two largest fires are still carving their way west and north, so keeping off the roads is still a must. Once those fires are contained, keeping out of the area is still paramount as those impacted return to what is their homes. So, in lieu of taking action, gathering canned goods, and coming to the Southland, there are a few places you can donate a few bucks to in order to help.

One key option, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The LAFD has done tremendous work over the last 72+ hours and although winds allowed the Eaton and Palisades fires to burn uncontrolled for days, the swiftness with which they handled the fire above Hollywood was just remarkable. The Foundation provides vital equipment and funds other activities to assist the Fire Department in saving lives. More information what they do and how to donate can be found at their website.

Another is The California Fire Foundation, which offers support to surviving families of fallen firefighters and provide aid to victims of fire or other natural disasters, among other things. Also, Collector’s Paradise is holding a fundraiser for the foundation across the weekend on their website and in their store locations:

GoFundMe has put together a list of individual campaigns supporting those who suffered as a result of the fires.

Cartoon Brew has a round-up of individuals in the animation field who need help in the aftermath of the fires.

World Central Kitchen is on the ground providing food to families impacted and first responders.

One of the great resources people have turned to during the fires is Watch Duty, an incredible app with up-to-date info on the fires, relief options, and the current status in both potential evacuation zones and those already under the “go” order. They are a a 501c3 nonprofit and accepting donations.

And, naturally enough, the American Red Cross is always an option.

Of course, I realize donating to these efforts might seem overwhelming, especially as many of them will suggest a triple-digit contribution. While a smaller amount might seem insignificant, any figure does good, especially as organizations specializing in disaster relief efforts really know how to make a dollar go far.

Additionally, the crisis doesn’t end when the fires are contained. Aid will be necessary for some time to come — as Mad Cave’s announcement of the upcoming LA STRONG: A Charity Comic for Victims of the Los Angeles Fires indicates — and I’ll update on those efforts as the weeks and months roll by. Hopefully, the affected areas can rebuild and life before this week can be restored in some fashion. But, also, I hope some of the aid I’ve already seen and read about continues as that sense of community and empathy in response to a disaster is a huge balm in the face of all the destruction.