There’s no doubt about it, the wildfires affecting Los Angeles County have been devastating.
Many organizations, businesses and people have rallied together since the start of the wildfires this week to support those affected by the disaster.
Here’s a list of groups in and around Boyle Heights collecting supplies, offering support, providing volunteer opportunities and even opening their doors to those in need.
Note: Mutual Aid Los Angeles has an extensive resource list of businesses, organizations and individuals offering support for those affected by the fires.
YMCA Community Resources
The Weingart East L.A. YMCA is participating in a region-wide effort by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to open its location as a community resource and donation hub. As part of a partnership with LAUSD, you’ll find free child care, activities and more here.
What to know:
- Eligibility for child care includes families of essential workers and those displaced by the fires. Programs are available for children aged 4 years, 9 months through 8th grade and teens between 12 and up and are designed to assist families whose schools are currently closed. Families can register online through the YMCA portal at YMCA Registration.
- The YMCA is also welcoming all teens aged 12 and up to its facilities, free of charge. For more information contact afterschool@ymca.org
- Closest Eastside location: 2900 Whittier Boulevard
- If you’re hoping to donate to the East L.A. location, details on accepted items can be found here.
Esquina Bicycle Shop Donation Drive
Esquina Bicycle Shop is again taking donations and volunteer help. The shop is now collecting items for long-term stays at shelters, ensuring comfort and dignity for those facing extended challenges. On Instagram, the shop said it will be working with local shelters and supporting donation drives as needed. Donations can be dropped off from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
More information on the items they’re seeking here.
Location: 2228 Whittier Boulevard
Donation drop-off at The Wall Las Memorias
The Wall Las Memorias is collaborating with Nativo restaurant and House of Xelas to collect donations for those affected by the fires. They are also seeking volunteers to help with deliveries.
Donations can be dropped off at The Wall Las Memorias’ Boyle Heights Hub on Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m., and again on Monday, Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information: Contact info@twlmp.org
If you would like to volunteer to deliver donations. Please contact volunteer@twlmp.org
Location: 2020 E. 1st Street
InnerCity Struggle Mutual Aid Supply Drop-off
Inner City Struggle is accepting donations to support Eastside community members affected by power outages, smoke, and hazardous air quality. Donate essential items on Saturday, January 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, January 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information: (323)780-7605
Location: 3467 Whittier Blvd
Donation link: bit.ly/ICS_DONATE
Donation Center at White Memorial Church
White Memorial Church is hosting a donation drive for families and first responders. The church is also offering volunteer opportunities and shelter resources for those who need them. The church’s distribution center is open 24 hours a day and is taking they are taking donations including laundry detergent, loofahs, baby bottles, chapstick, batteries and chargers for phones.
More information can be found here.
Location: 401 N. State Street
Boyle Heights City Hall Support & Donation Drop
CD 14 Councilmember Ysabel Jurado opened up evacuation centers in the area for those in need of shelter, including one at Boyle Heights City Hall. If you’re looking to support, you can help sort through donations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.
- More details are available here.
- Location: 2130 E. 1st Street
Inclusive Action Financial Support for Impacted Outdoor Workers
The local nonprofit is offering a program for impacted outdoor workers to receive $500 in financial assistance. Limited funds are available, and be prioritized for those most directly impacted by the fires.
- The application is available online and must be submitted by Jan. 17.
- The organization is also accepting donations to help support more outdoor workers.
El Sereno Donation Drive
Eastside Cafe has opened its doors as a resource, offering masks, access to WiFi and electronic charging stations. You can also drop off masks, warm clothes, blankets, first aid supplies, pet supplies, menstrual products and pet supplies to support. You can stop by anytime Friday until 7 p.m. The spot will also be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. over the weekend.
- More details are available here.
- Location: 5469 Huntington Drive North
Distrito Catorce Donation Drive + Music
The local bar will be hosting a drop-off event on Friday, Jan. 17. Emergency response supplies for those affected in Altadena and Pasadena can be dropped off starting at 3 p.m. until closing. Special guests will play reggae, punk, dub, new wave and more beats starting at 7 p.m. for those who support.
- More information can be found here.
- Location: 1837 E. 1st Street
Local taquerias give back
Despite experiencing a power outage that cost a loss of close to $2,000 in food spoiled, the El Sereno taco shop Evil Cooks has joined a dozen other Los Angeles-based taquerias, plan to offer plates of food to first responders in the area in an act of appreciation for their resiliencies during this regional crisis.
- You can find more about the effort in our story here.
- Evil Cooks is located at 3333 N. Eastern Avenue
Support for Mexican nationals
The Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles is providing support to those who have been affected by the fires. You can make an appointment online or by calling (213) 507-2981.
Past supportive efforts
East L.A. Resource Fair
In an effort to support residents impacted by power outages and wildfires, the office of County Supervisor Hilda Solis has organized a weekend resource fair for those in need. Here you’ll find supplies including masks, emergency kits, food distributions and more on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the East L.A. Civic Center.
- More information can be found here.
- Location: 4801 E. 3rd Street
Benefit show at 1st Street Pool & Billiards
1st Street Pool & Billiards is hosting a benefit punk show with 100% of proceeds going to the Mutual Aid L.A. Network. The 18+ event starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan.10, and you can donate what you can at the door for entry.
- More details are available here.
- Location: 1906 E. 1st Street
Picaresca Barra de Cafe Donation Drive
The coffee shop and eatery has been collecting items this week to assist first responders, at-risk populations and those displaced by the fires. Donations are still being accepted until 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.
- More information can be found here.
- Location: 2931 E. 4th Street
Pink and Boujee L.A.
On Thursday, Pink and Boujee L.A. restaurant in Boyle Heights opened up its doors to donations, quickly reaching capacity from an outpour of support. The business also joined AD 54 Assemblymember Mark González in donating food to local fire stations.
UPDATES: See the latest on LAUSD schools | How you can donate and volunteer | How to stay safe amid unhealthy air | What to know about air purifiers | What alerts to sign up for | Resources and more things to know | PHOTOS: The Eastside grapples with effects of L.A. wildfires, windstorm