New York Lends Support to Los Angeles Wildfires Victims
By ElizaBeth Taylor
Landmark moments in history have formed profound ways East Coast citizens respond to disasters. We will forever be tortured by the horrific events of Sept. 11, for one thing. Terrorism to storms like Hurricane Sandy in 2012 may have tried to wipe us away but instead forced us to stand firmly in place with defiant emotions.
New York City residents all share a knee-jerk reaction to immediately respond with compassion after traumatic events such as these dark days. Right now, ignore the byzantine bureaucratic puzzles of L.A. City Hall and California government offices as much as the controversies of insurance companies and strong winds. At a critical moment like this, the only thing is to implore goodwill and be gratefully supportive. It may not be in our backyard, but it is in our thoughts and prayers as fellow survivors of tragedy.
Amid the devastating L.A. wildfires, heartbreaking stories continue to unfold, and there is much suffering, loss, and destruction. The urgent need of our fellow Americans across the country has captured the hearts of philanthropic New Yorkers.
Feel compelled to follow in their footsteps and explore ways to lend a helping hand through donations or efforts like this. Currently, local California residents are expressing a need for monetary donations that can be used long after the news shifts to other subject matters and the embers go cold.
Being mindful of how to give is as important as picking a cause that means something to the person living in this crisis today and in the years to come. At a time like this, no gesture is too big or too small. Strength is found in the resilience shared by millions of American citizens.
B STRONG IN COLLABORATION WITH GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT MISSION
Bethenny Frankel, a former “Real Housewives of New York City” alum, is helping those affected by the various destructive wildfires in California. Frankel established “B Strong: Disaster Relief,” which partnered with the Global Empowerment Mission to create this initiative.
Michael Capponi formed the Global Empowerment Mission in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. The mission is to deliver the most aid to the most people in need in the short- est amount of time and at the least cost to donors. New Yorkers can donate online to the mission. The organization’s key components include arranging cash card distribution, family essential kits, hygiene kits, food essentials kits, and housing relocation for the coming weeks.
To donate, visit global empowermentmission.org/
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN
Restaurateur José Andrés over- sees several New York City cuisine institutions, including renowned Zaytinya, The Bazaar, Mercado Little Spain, and Boqueria. The Michelin-starred chef is internationally recognized for his humanitarian work with World Central Kitchen.
The organization is currently on the frontlines in Southern California in response to multiple active wild- fires near Los Angeles. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cook- ing and providing meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of food trucks or emergency kitchens, WCK delivers freshly made, nutritious meals to communities impacted by disasters quickly and effectively. Good food provides nourishment, comfort, and hope, especially in times of crisis.
Ray’s Bar, located on the Lower East Side in Manhattan, hosted a fundraiser on Jan. 15. All proceeds went to the foundation. The bar also held a cloth- ing and supplies drive that successfully gathered much-needed supplies for families impacted by the fires and for first responders still working on ground efforts.
To donate, visit: wck.org
FASHION BRANDS CHARITABLE EFFORTS
There has been an outpouring of love in many ways during these un- precedented and trying times. Thou- sands of individuals have lost their homes and everything inside their protective walls, including precious pieces of clothing. The community has been rocked, and with that comes many feelings of not having something to wear. As hard as it sounds, residents will still have to go back to work or have affairs com- ing up that will require them to have confidence. A wardrobe is more than just some- thing to place on your body. This is deeply understood by Rent the Run- way, which is headquartered in New York City. Rent The Runway offered 10,000 promotional codes for two free months of RTR for those affected by the wildfires.
New York native and alice + olivia founder, Stacey Bendet, also opened her heart to fire victims. Her company turned a local Los Angeles Melrose store into a pop-up store with free clothing and accessories for individuals impacted by the wildfires.
“As a company and brand, we al- ways believe in the ability of clothes to transform and uplift and we hope this effort will help women to rebuild and restart during these turbulent times,” said Bendet on Instagram.
Brooklyn-based Well Cloth’d is a Black women-founded, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to take the mystery out of donating. By connecting generous individuals to in-need populations, Well Cloth’d ensures recipients receive high-quality donations in two ways. They have partnered with ShopQuirkLA to dress people in need devastated by the fires directly.
ART AUCTIONS RAISING FUNDS
Gallery AP Space in Chelsea recently hosted the art exhibit for award-winning artist Machine Dazzle. The new year kicked off here with an opening event hosted by Barbara Tober. The synergy of these good Gotham residents, who are always on the charitable scene, is now felt as the beloved venue is set to host an upcoming art auction. “Art 4 Hope” will take place on Feb. 22.
“A group of artists has come together to share a message of hope, healing, and solidarity through art, reaching out to those affected by disaster,” states the gallery. “Our goal is to create meaningful connections and offer comfort during difficult times. Small efforts, when united, can create immense love and strength. We invite everyone to join us in this mission.”
Grassroots Community Support
This is just a small sampling of the collective efforts being made to help our sister city, Los Angeles. Dozens of amazing grassroots causes are also seeking donations to help those equally devastated by the Eaton Fires around Altadena and victims of the Palisades Fire. First responders and their families are also being assisted with great compassion.
Here is a list supplied directly by residents of Los Angeles County as requested to New Yorkers who asked what they could do to support causes that may not get regular media attention:
WATCH DUTY
Since the fires started, they have saved thousands of lives. The non- profit is entirely volunteer-driven by active and retired firefighters, dispatchers, and other first responders. They deserve financial support, especially considering that the fires have not been fully contained as of the print date. To donate, visit: watchduty.org/donate
PASADENA HUMANE SOCIETY
Compassionate animal care has been provided since 1903. The donor- supported nonprofit organization’s crucial work during the fires has provided animal care and services for homeless people and rescued animals throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
To donate visit: pasadenahumane.org
ANTI-RECIDIVISM COALITION
There are nearly 1,000 incarcerated firefighters currently battling the Los Angeles fires. As part of a voluntary program within CDCR, these men and women only earn between $5.80 to $10.24 per day while working in 24- hour shifts. Supporting these unsung heroes today will ensure that every dollar goes toward immediate needs, such as shower trucks and hygiene supplies, and scholarship funds once individuals are released. To donate, visit: antirecidivism.org/firefighterfund/
ALTADENA GIRLS FIRE RECOVERY
The Altadena Girls Fire Recovery mission is to help young girls regain their sense of self and confidence. They focus on gathering clothes, personal items, and everyday items that allow displaced teenagers to thrive and carry on despite challenging circumstances. By contributing, you will bring smiles back to teenagers’ faces and a sense of normalcy to their lives after the fire destroyed so much.
To donate, visit: pledge.to/altadenagirls
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