Everyone wants to help the devastated families who lost everything to the fires. Our community is known for its tender-hearted and generous support of people in need.
When folks are suffering from a local disaster like flooding and mudslides, communities are destroyed by earthquakes or famine halfway around the world, or neighbors two hours away in Los Angeles are facing sudden loss of homes and property, we are quick to pitch in to do our part.
But sometimes it is hard to know the best way to help.
Should we give directly to individual families whose stories we see on social media? Is it better to give to local nonprofits we know and trust and are supplying aid? Would it be more effective to give to larger national organizations who are in the business of providing large-scale aid?
First, acknowledge that your desire to help is admirable. Next, consider which methods of giving feel most appropriate for you. Here are some aspects to consider.
Give locally to organizations you trust.
Even though the folks suffering in Los Angeles are 100 miles away, there are several local nonprofits that are providing aid. The Santa Barbara Foundation established the Community Disaster Relief Fund.
This fund is built to provide financial resources to support nonprofit and government response and recovery efforts during community disasters. Many people feel comfortable donating to the Santa Barbara Foundation because they know their gifts will be faithfully used for their intended purpose.
Some other local organizations that are helping LA fire victims include SB Humane, Adam’s Angels, Foodbank of Santa Barbara, Care4Paws, Search Dog Foundation, Direct Relief and One805.
Give regionally to recommended agencies
There are many well-known and trustworthy organizations to consider for your donations including California Community Foundation, Pasadena Community Foundation, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Shelter Box.
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Santa Barbara Foundation, and the City of Santa Barbara all provide excellent resources for people who want to learn more about how to contribute their help to the LA fire victims.
Give through crowdfunding requests.
Many are fans of crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe because they feel more connected to the cause and the result. Certainly, scores of heartrending stories abound on social media sites about the LA fire victims. Granted, the families who receive the assistance are eternally grateful for the contributions.
But what about the anguish of those who are so overcome with their devastation that they can’t even think about taking time to create a GoFundMe page? And many non-tech folks don’t even know how to begin.
Even though this form of giving offers a more personal connection to the donor, it can be uneven in terms of the larger scope of the challenges so many families face.
Crowdfunding also offers opportunities for scammers who are exploiting the disaster response. So, if you choose to give this way, be sure the request is real, especially now in the day of AI.
Also, remember that GoFundMe takes a standard transaction fee of 2.9% plus $.30 per donation.
Give by creating your own blend of philanthropy.
Many donors choose to create their own charity support recipe. Most charities say they always prefer financial donations. However, when there are myriad needs, as with the LA fire disaster, countless opportunities for giving exist.
You can contribute to the many food and clothing drives around town, building materials will be much appreciated as families begin to restore their homes, and volunteers are always welcome in every aspect of community building.
The important thing is to give in a way you feel good about. You can donate financially through local nonprofits, state or national organizations, crowdfunding or a combination of all three. And you can give of your time and talent.
However you choose to contribute, be intentional and generous. So many people are depending on our kindness.