The Villager Voice
Most uses of the word apocalyptic are, in my opinion, an exercise in hyperbole, a way of exaggerating the impact of an event beyond reasonable proportion. However, I believe its use in recent days to describe the wildfires in California is spot on and entirely justifiable. 100 mile per hour wind gusts; entire neighborhoods incinerated in a matter of minutes; multiple communities have run out of water to fight the flames; bulldozers shoving abandoned vehicles off the road to give emergency vehicles access. The images are horrifying, the loss of property is staggering, and the inability of firefighters to control it is frightening. I read this morning that officials are saying 0% of the fires are under any kind of control. If this is not apocalyptic, it is time to retire the word.
I am confident our United Church of Christ will soon be coordinating relief efforts as they always do in the wake of disaster. But if you are moved to contribute immediately, I found the following organizations accepting donations in the Washington Post:
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which equips LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies.
The California Fire Foundation, which provides support financial support to firefighters, families of deceased firefighters, and victims of wildfires.
Defy Disaster, a program established by the Entertainment Industry Foundation that supports immediate and long-term relief.
The California Community Foundation, which supports and collaborates with a range of organizations, including those that provide emergency aid to wildfire survivors and first responders.
Fast Line Drive, which is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
World Central Kitchen, which is providing sandwiches and water to victims on the ground. WCK says that it provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.
The Salvation Army, which supports individuals affected by food insecurity, natural disasters, housing instability, and more.
The American Red Cross, which helps people affected by natural disasters.
The United Way of Greater Los Angeles, which is focusing on long-term recovery efforts.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, which distributes food and other essentials to children, seniors and families in need.
Greater Good Charities, which is mobilizing humanitarian aid as well as pet food and supplies to support residents and their pets.
Community Organized Relief Effort, which is deploying an emergency response team to support individuals near the fires where air quality is a major concern.
The Canine Rescue Club, which helps canines in need and dog rescue efforts.
Baby2Baby, which provides diapers, clothing and basic necessities to children in poverty.
The need is great. Fortunately, the opportunities to help are abundant.
Links to Sunday’s bulletin and service are here: