2025 California Wildfires, AP Photo
Beginning on January 7th, a series of nearly two dozen wildfires have impacted the Los Angeles area in Southern California. So far, some 25 have lost their lives, more than 200,000 have been evacuated, and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed.
To date, the two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton, are only 17% and 35% contained. The worst may be yet to come.
The human impact is profound. And, as in all disasters, children are hit especially hard. Our partner organizations who provide first response services in disaster zones have been providing invaluable insight into the situations facing families across the LA-metro area. No Child Hungry meals will be a big part of the solution over the next year as these families recover, but in the immediate wake of the fires there are other needs at hand.
The urgent needs are for three items that we've provided through countless disasters, including after the wildfires in Maui in 2023. They need basic care, hygiene items, and snack packs - ready-to-eat food for those on the move - for first responders, the displaced, and as a way to keep active, hungry kids fed between meals.
We'll be working with both our national partners and local groups in Los Angeles over the coming days, weeks, and months. We invite you to join these efforts. If you can give, please do so. If you can go, please join us. And if you can share the message, you'll impact lives!
Wave One: Care Basics
Our initial response will be providing care kits, hygiene kits, and snack bags. Each fills a critical area of need for kids and families displaced by the wildfires.
