Friday, January 17 — Several AUSD employees and students have lost their homes in the ongoing Eaton Fire that started on Tuesday, January 7. The Greater Los Angeles Educational Foundation is collecting donations to support students, families, and educators who were impacted by the fires.
To donate directly to the AUSD families in need of support, please make sure to designate your donation for the ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT or ALHAMBRA USD (not just “AUSD”). Visit glaef.org/lacounty-education-wildfire-fund to learn more.
Wednesday, January 15 — Throughout the past week, Los Angeles has seen the power of community coming together to collect donations and volunteers at organizations across the county in support of communities affected by the wildfires. Experts say that the most effective way to help those in need right now is to donate money to organizations who can directly use the funds where it’s most needed.
Here are some Alhambra businesses who are donating money and meals or offering support to first responders and families affected by the fires:
- Raising Cane’s: From January 15 to 19, Raising Cane’s will donate all net proceeds up to $250,000 to American Red Cross, at participating locations across Southern California including the Alhambra location on Valley Blvd.
- Yang’s Kitchen: Yang’s Kitchen is providing free meals to first responders, local community centers, and families affected by the fires. To learn more about how you can contribute, visit their Instagram @yangskitchenla.
- Planet Fitness: Planet Fitness has opened its doors to those affected by the fires to access its showers, lockers, charging stations, and lobby. It also has necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, towels, and more available for people in need to pick up.
- Popping Yolk Cafe: From January 12 to 17, Popping Yolk Cafe is offering free meals to first responders at its Alhambra, Pasadena, and Hacienda Heights locations.
Tuesday, January 14 — Since the fires first broke out last week, misinformation has spread over social media, from a fake picture of the Hollywood sign on fire to how FEMA works. Officials from the organization are now trying to combat existing rumors and answer any other questions people may have when applying for aid. Visit the FEMA Rumor Response website to debunk common misinformation.
Here are more vetted places where you can donate, shared by the US Chamber of Commerce:
- LA Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund
- CAL OES Donation Portal for financial donations, volunteer opportunities, and corporate/non-profit donations
Monday, January 13 — As the fires rage on in Los Angeles, a Red Flag warning has been raised for much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties until noon Wednesday. Wind gusts are expected to reach speeds between 55 and 70 MPH, together with a renewed fire watch warning.
As of Monday morning, the Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 14% contained. The Eaton Fire burned 14,117 acres and was was 33% contained. The death toll has climbed to 25, with more than 12,000 structures destroyed.
Business Relief
FEMA Disaster Relief: disasterassistance.gov
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans: sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires
- SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (LA County): Pasadena City College Community Education Center (PCC CEC) Multi-Purpose Room
- 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
- Opens 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14
- Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Closed Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of MLK holiday
Business Resources
LAEDC Resources: laedc.org/business-assistance-resources-for-those-affected-by-the-wildfires/
LAEDC Business Assistance & Recovery Guide: laedc.org/2025-wildfire-assistance/
LAEWDD Business Resources: https://ewdd.lacity.gov/index.php/2025-los-angeles-wild-fires-resources
Donate to These Organizations
The best way to help right now is to donate to the organizations who are on the ground fighting the fires and providing relief to affected communities. If you have the ability, consider donating to these organizations:
