Fires continue to rage throughout Southern California, forcing thousands in Los Angeles County to evacuate while many others have already lost their homes.
Firefighters in the state continue Friday to put out the flames that have raged since Tuesday, costing at least 10 people their lives and destroying or damaging over 9,000 structures. Experts are already estimating this could be the costliest wildfire disaster in U.S. history, according to reporting from the L.A. Times.
Watching with a heavy heart from Florida, Ira Leesfield, the Founder and Managing Partner of Leesfield & Partners, along with his charitable organization, The Leesfield Family Foundation, felt compelled to help. This is not the first time Mr. Leesfield has stepped in amid a natural disaster. He has routinely stepped in to provide disaster relief assistance to those in need.
Most recently, Mr. Leesfield contributed to disaster relief for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated communities and resulted in the death of hundreds of people in 2024. Previously, The Leesfield Family Foundation has supported victims of Hurricane Harvey and the victims and loved ones of those who were killed in the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando.
The Leesfield Family Foundation is also providing aid to World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) ongoing mission to provide meals to those in war-torn Ukraine.
“There are many ways to fight this war,” Mr. Leesfield has previously said. “It’s not only missiles and weapons, but we can do our part by providing food, medicine and supplies to over 3.16 million refugees of this ravaged region.”
As part of The Foundation’s involvement, Mr. Leesfield has pledged to match contributions coming in from LFF community members dollar-for-dollar.
For any questions or concerns regarding WCK, call 305-854-4900 or email Leesfield@Leesfield.com.
How to Help Californians
Organizations such as the Red Cross and supporters of first responders are accepting online, cash and check donations. Supply donations are also being accepted by some organizations, depending on storage capacity. To help to meet the immediate needs of those who have been affected by the wildfire, visit their websites or call the appropriate help centers for more information. Below are only some of the organizations working to help alleviate the strain of lost property, loved ones and services to those in distress.
- The America Red Cross
- World Central Kitchen
- California Fire Foundation
- The Los Angeles Fire4 Department Foundation
- Teladoc
- California Community Foundation
- Friends in Deed
- The Salvation Army
- LA Fire Donation Drive
- LA Food Bank-Food Assistance after Fires, Earthquakes and other Disasters
