The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, have left at least five people dead, thousands of people without homes and tens of thousands without power. As firefighters continue to battle the flames, help is pouring in from across the country, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The American Red Cross sent volunteers from southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Penny Tedesco.
“It’s just a pull,” Tedesco told NBC10. “Like seeing what is going on and knowing how much help is needed. I know I have some training. I know there is something I can do. And I know there are people who can’t. So, go where you are needed.”
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Tedesco and the other volunteers will provide shelter, food, health services and emotional support for the victims.
“We are very appreciative to people who raise their hand to volunteer for the Red Cross or other humanitarian organizations because it is people helping people that really makes a difference,” Rosie Taravella, the Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region, told NBC10. “The infrastructure, the fires, we are so proud and grateful for firefighters for taking care of those situations. But the people who lose their homes are often wondering what is next. And that is our job to help them to the next level.”
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Tips on making safe charitable donations and avoiding scams
While people from across the country are looking to help the wildfire victims, criminals are taking advantage of the situation through scams targeting donors.
Michael Thatcher is the President and CEO of Charity Navigator, which evaluates where money donated to charities goes. He told NBC10 donors should go directly to a charity's website.
"You're actually investing, not just giving, you're investing in a good organization," Thatcher said. "You want to know that the money is actually going to what they're saying, they're doing it and that they're actually capable of doing it."
Thatcher recommends asking yourself if the charity can provide fast assistance and if there will be other opportunities to give.
"They've got feet on the street. They're doing something about the issue," Thatcher said. "Stay the course and consider giving over a period of time because this isn't going away when the fires are put out. There's a lot that's going to be coming afterwards."
Thatcher also suggested not responding to any solicitation for donations.
"So you get the phone call, I would just hang up the phone," he said. "Look up the organization, check them out, and then make your donation."
Click here for tips on how to safely make charitable donations and avoid potential scams.
How to help the victims of the Los Angeles fires
Below are links to resources to help the victims of the wildfires:
Los Angeles fires charity navigator
Make a tax-deductible gift to the California Fire Foundation
Helping people affected by California wildfires
You can find more details on how to help the wildfire victims here.
