Red Cross Illinois provides relief for L.A. wildfire victims

Photo Courtesy of American Red Cross

NORMAL, Ill. — The Central Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross is working to provide relief for those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Since Jan. 7, Southern California has been battling severe wildfires that have spread across the metropolitan area. Four fires remain active out of the original 30 reported, two of which are among the largest. Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Jayce Eustice spoke about the catastrophic wildfires, noting how they have displaced thousands of people and destroyed homes and livelihoods.

“There’s about as many as 550 Red Cross responders that are currently located in California,” Eustice said. “More than 560 evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters across Southern California. The Red Cross has provided more than 38,000 meals and snacks.”

The Red Cross is also offering financial assistance to families affected by the fires. This support helps families secure new housing, clothing, and other essential needs. Red Cross workers have been reaching out to eligible individuals by email, text, and phone to offer this assistance.

Central Illinois community members can help by donating money and blood. With wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and winter weather in other parts of the country causing blood donation cancellations, donations have been severely impacted. 

“We’re all in this together,” Eustice said.

Although the organization is based in Illinois, Eustice emphasized that all efforts, regardless of location, help contribute to the cause.

“While we still continue to support the local community, we do understand that a number of resources are allocated to help those that are actively in need in those wildfire areas right now. There’s a number of ways that people can get involved,” Eustice said.

For more information about relief efforts or volunteering, visit the Red Cross website.