As Los Angeles wildfires rage, ways Long Islanders can give

Long Islanders seeking to help residents of Los Angeles and the surrounding area as multiple wind-whipped wildfires continued Thursday, can choose from a wide range of nonprofits. From food and clothing to medical and pet supplies, the needs are many, and so are the ways to send a financial donation.

Emergency shelter: American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has opened an emergency shelter for displaced residents, where they will be provided "food, water, health and emotional support services," according to the organization’s website. 

Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Food: World Central Kitchen

The relief team for chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen has mobilized "to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water" to first responders and affected families "as we identify all areas of need," the nonprofit announced on its website.

Donations can be made on the website.

Medical equipment: Direct Relief

Direct Relief, a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit that deploys medical equipment to disaster areas, is providing emergency medical supplies for first responders and displaced residents, as well as N95 masks and other respiratory protection equipment "to mitigate health risks from smoke exposure," according to the nonprofit’s website.

Donations can be made on the website.

Financial support: California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation’s Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund helps those affected by wildfires in the state. The Sacramento-based nonprofit "is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge," according to its website.

Donations to the relief fund can be made on the website.

General emergency aid: The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Southern California Division is collaborating with government and nonprofit agencies to provide necessities to first responders and those affected by the fires.

"Wildfire survivors need immediate help," the organization’s website reads. "Your donation provides critical aid — shelter, food, and support — through our Emergency Disaster Fund or helps meet urgent needs across Southern California."

Donations to The Salvation Army that directly support first responders and those forced to evacuate due to the wildfires can be made on the website.

Aid for pets: Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane, an animal resource center, is accepting donations to help pets and wild animals affected by the fires. The Eaton Fire, which broke out Tuesday evening in Eaton Canyon, in the hills a few miles north of Pasadena, had led to the deaths of two people and burned 13,690 acres by late Thursday, according to CAL Fire. More than 5,000 structures had been destroyed, fire officials said. The overall death toll from this week's wildfires was seven.

Donations can be made on its website.

Avoiding wildfire charity scams 

Before donating funds to help those in Southern California, New Yorkers should be on alert for scams.

“In the midst of terrible natural disasters such as the wildfires impacting the greater Los Angeles area, scammers often take advantage of generous acts in exchange for personal gain,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement Friday. “While it is inspiring to see so many New Yorkers eager to help, I encourage them to be cautious of sham charities that prey on people’s generosity and ensure that they are giving to trustworthy organizations and groups."

James advises charitable individuals to donate to charities which they are familiar with or those they have independently verified as legitimate by visiting the charity’s website or checking if they are on file with her office’s Charities Bureau Registry Search. Any solicitation through email or social media should be verified, as should telephone numbers and donation channels before contributions are submitted via text or personal information such as credit card numbers are shared.

Additional information regarding donation scams and safe practices is available on the attorney general’s website.

James encourages anyone who encounters what they believe to be a suspicious organization engaging in a fundraising or charitable scam should file a complaint with the Charities Bureau or call 212-416-8401.

With AP