The wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County have left an indelible mark on our community. The destruction caused by the fires is truly heartbreaking, and the challenges faced by so many — from the loss of homes to displacement and the overwhelming uncertainty that follows — are difficult to put into words. At USTA Southern California, our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this crisis.

As we navigate these difficult times, we are reminded of the incredible resilience of our community. It’s not just the affected individuals and families who feel the weight of this tragedy, but all of us who hold this beautiful region and its people close to our hearts. Together, we stand in solidarity, hoping for the safety of everyone in harm’s way and for the strength of those responding to this emergency.

To those directly impacted, please know that you are not alone. We are here for you and committed to supporting you however we can. To our first responders — firefighters, medical teams, and countless others — your tireless efforts to protect lives, homes, and businesses do not go unnoticed. You are the heroes of this moment, and we extend our deepest gratitude to you.

In the days and weeks ahead, USTA Southern California will continue to share resources and information to support our community. Whether you need assistance or are looking for ways to help, we encourage you to visit our website (see information below) and follow us on social media (@ustasocal on all platforms) for updates.

RELIEF RESOURCES

Tens of thousands of people have already been forced to evacuate their homes, and the danger is far from over. Hurricane-force winds continue to drive these fast-moving wildfires, creating immense challenges for firefighters working tirelessly to contain them. Communities across Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, Sylmar, Hollywood, and surrounding areas are facing the devastating aftermath, as the fires have collectively scorched over 36,000 acres and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and other buildings.

The Palisades Fire west of Los Angeles, the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, the Kenneth Fire near the 101 Freeway in the West Hills area, the Hurst Fire near Sylmar, the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills, and the Lidia Fire in Antelope Valley are among the most severe.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by these wildfires, the following organizations are providing assistance:

SANTA MONICA TENNIS COLLECTIVE

• • Santa Monica Tennis Collective is supporting tennis players in the LA community who lost equipment in the fires by collecting donations.
  • They are working with community partners to provide free tennis clothing, equipment, and gear packages for any player, any level or age, affected by the fires. If you or someone you know has been impacted, fill out this form, reach out via DM on Instagram (@santamonicatc) or text 310-963-2822.
  • To donate or help with pick-up and drop-off, send a DM on Instagram (@santamonicatc) or text 310-963-2822.
  • Items being accepted include gently used rackets, bags, shoes, clothing, grips, dampeners, strings, and new tennis balls. If you can provide equipment, please fill out this form.

TENNIS ADDICTS

• • Ramiro Rivas, Tennis Addicts, Amy ST, and Noel Hyun Minor 
    recently did a drive for the Altadena tennis teams. Follow their socials (@Soldbyramiro, @tennisaddicts1, @ameemie, and @noel_inla)
  • Ramiro Rivas is still accepting donations that can be dropped off at his Pasadena office Monday-Friday between 9am-4pm. The dropoff location is The Agency – Ramiro Rivas at 225 S. Lake Avenue, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91101. 
  • Items needed include gently used or new tennis gear, clothing, gift cards, shoes, balls, and essential items. All items will be given to those in need. 
  • For more information, you can call Ramiro at 626-497-4606. 

FITSPORT KINETICS 

• • FitSport Kinetics is helping athletes who lost their sports gear and have been affected by the Eaton Fire.
  • They are collecting semi-new to new sports gear for all ages.
  • They are also collecting e-gift cards. You can donate them online or stop by their donation center located at 801 S Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105.
  • For more information, follow them on Instagram at @fitsportkinetics.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

• • American Red Cross is working alongside its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and health services.
  • You can support the Red Cross by making a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767, or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available after training. Register at redcross.org/volunteer.
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@AmericanRedCross and @RedCrossLA)

LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION

• • Equips firefighters with emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
  • Donate at supportlafd.org.
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@losangelesfiredepartment and @lafdfoundation).

CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

• • They are working with local fire agencies and community organizations to support residents impacted by the blazes by providing financial assistance to victims. 
  • Donate to the Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund at calfirefoundation.org. 
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@cafirefound).

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

• • Working alongside their partner agencies, the LA Regional Food Bank supports those facing food or nutrition insecurity. 
  • Locate resources at lafoodbank.org/find-food.
  • The Food Bank is accepting financial donations and food donations at our two distribution centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, located at: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, California 90058 and 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, CA 90601.
  • To volunteer, visit lafoodbank.org/volunteer. 
  • For more information on Food Drives, please contact Camryn Gordon at cgordon@lafoodbank.org. 
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@lafoodbank).

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

• • The Wildfire Recovery Fund supports long-term rebuilding efforts for underserved communities, aiding diverse groups such as Native American, Muslim, and migrant populations, as well as food workers, individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, the fund ensures continued aid for wildfire survivors and first responders.
  • Donate at calfund.org. 
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@calfund).

UNITED WAY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES

• • Focuses on longer term recovery and support for residents. 
  • With this fund, they are drawing upon experience from past wildfires to address urgent, ongoing needs, which include support for low-income individuals whose livelihood has been disrupted, people experiencing homelessness and those who provide services to support them, and disruptions to community organizations and small businesses.
  • Donate at unitedwayla.org/wildfire-response-resources. 
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@launitedway).

SALVATION ARMY

• • The Salvation Army Southern California Division is working with government and nongovernment agencies to provide food, personal necessities and shelter to survivors and first responders, said Melinda Lankford, communications and marketing direction for organization’s Southern California Division.
  • Monetary donations to directly support the region can be made online. Checks can be mailed to “The Salvation Army – Disaster Relief” at P.O. Box 93002, Long Beach 90809-9355.
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@salarmysocal)

DIRECT RELIEF

• • A California-based disaster relief medical assistance organization is currently partnering with the two Koreatown YMCA locations to distribute free N95 masks to residents affected by harmful smoke. 
  • Donate at donate.directrelief.org. The donations directly support individuals impacted by the fires in Palisades, Altadena, and throughout California, providing essential aid to those in need.

THE BIKE OVEN

• • Supplying items in northeast LA is a drop-off location for Eaton Fire victims and evacuees. 
  • You can donate basic hygiene products, toiletries, N95 masks or respirators, pet food, power banks, batteries, blankets and sleeping bags. Items can be dropped off at 3706 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90065.

WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

• • Provides fresh, nourishing meals to communities affected by disasters and crises. 
  • Their Relief Team is currently supporting first responders and families impacted by Los Angeles-area wildfires, distributing sandwiches and water while identifying areas in need. Several WCK Chef Corps members are on standby to offer comforting meals.
  • Donate at donate.wck.org. 
  • Find a meal distribution site in SoCal here at wck.org/news/meal-locations-ca. 
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@wckitchen).

BABY2BABY

• • Providing basic essentials to evacuation centers, distributing at pop-ups across the city and hosting volunteer sessions at their Los Angeles headquarters to pack supplies for children.
  • Donate at donate.baby2baby.org/give/648067.
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@baby2baby).

PASADENA HUMANE

• • Supports families and their pets during this challenging time. Animal control officers have been assisting with evacuations, while dedicated shelter staff have welcomed over 100 displaced animals—including a pony—into their care. 
  • The organization continues to provide emergency boarding for animals in need.
  • Donate at give.pasadenahumane.org
  • The organization is also accepting donated items, including food and water bowls, extra large crates and blankets. Donated items can be left in a donation bin in the front parking lot at 361 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena 91105.
  • If you can foster or donate items like bowls, crates, and blankets, email foster@pasadenahumane.org or drop them off at 361 S. Raymond Ave.
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@pasadenahumane).

CANINE RESCUE CLUB

• • The Canine Rescue Club is a dedicated network of caregivers providing foster homes for dogs waiting to find their forever families. In response to the fires, they’re urgently seeking volunteers to offer temporary foster care for displaced dogs.
  • If you’re unable to foster, you can still make a difference through donations to support their efforts. 
  • Apply to foster or donate: caninerescue.club/donate. 
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media accounts (@caninerescueclub)

AIRBNB

• • Focuses on longer term recovery and support for residents. 
  • Providing free, temporary emergency housing for people displaced by wildfires in Los Angeles with 211LA. So far, they have committed to housing 25,000 more LA wildfire evacuees. 
  • Provide a place to stay. AirBNB will connect survivors and first responders with emergency housing. You can offer a place to stay for free or at a discount at airbnb.com/for-airbnb-org/host. 
  • Donate at airbnb.com/for-airbnb-org/donate. 100% of donations go to funding emergency housing.
  • For more information, visit their website and follow their social media account (@airbnb and @211lacounty)

LOS ANGELES RESTAURANTS OFFERING FREE MEALS TO FIRE EVACUEES AND/OR FIRST RESPONDERS

• • Bakers Bench – Chinatown (*Pay what you can)
  • Bar Etoile – East Hollywood
  • Bé Ù – Silver Lake
  • Brooklyn Bagel Bakery – Westlake
  • Crustacean – Beverly Hills
  • Danny Boy’s – DTLA, Westwood
  • Descanso Restaurant – Fairfax 
  • Dudley Market – Venice
  • Fat Sal’s Deli – Multiple locations
  • Fiorelli Pizza – Venice
  • House of Mandi – Westwood
  • LaSorted’s – Silver Lake
  • Lorenzo – Beverly Hills 
  • Madre – All locations
  • Ospi – Brentwood and Venice
  • Oy Bar – Studio City
  • Shake Shack – Multiple locations
  • Sora Craft Kitchen – DTLA
  • Sunday Gravy – Inglewood
  • Tatsu Ramen – All locations
  • The Rooster – Pico-Robertson
  • Yeastie Boys – Multiple locations
  • Zaya DTLA – DTLA

WAYS YOU CAN HELP 

If you are willing and able to, we encourage everyone to support in any way possible. Here are a few ways that you can contribute: 

• • Monetary Donations
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Supply Donations
  • Animal Support
  • Practical assistance 

COMMUNITY STORIES 

We are inspired by the acts of kindness and resilience emerging during this crisis. Share your stories with us by tagging @ustasocal on social media or emailing info@ustasocal.com.

Now more than ever, it’s important to come together as a community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference. Whether it’s checking on a neighbor, donating to relief funds, or sharing information, your actions provide hope and support during this challenging time.

Let us all take care of ourselves and one another as we move forward. Together, we can weather this storm and begin the process of healing and rebuilding. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this tragedy.

—

Watch Duty, a nonprofit organization, provides real-time alerts about nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts through its website and app, keeping communities informed and prepared. Similarly, Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, works to protect California’s people, property, and natural resources. Their platform offers real-time fire tracking and detailed maps, ensuring residents have access to current information.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to amplifying available resources and connecting you with the help you need.

Now more than ever, it’s important to come together as a community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference. Whether it’s checking on a neighbor, donating to a relief fund, or simply sharing information about available resources, your actions can provide hope and support during this difficult time.

Let us all take care of ourselves and one another as we move forward. Together, we can weather this storm and begin the process of healing and rebuilding. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this tragedy.

Stay safe, and thank you for being part of a community that stands strong in the face of adversity.