When disaster strikes, Californians have stepped up time and time again.
From the 2023 winter storms and flooding to the L.A. Fires in 2025, people and businesses across the Golden State have generously given money, time and supplies to help their neighbors in the aftermath of earthquakes, floods, fires and other disasters.
Working with state partners, Cal OES helps counties organize donations and volunteers after a disaster when local agencies request extra support or specialized help. For example, Cal OES helped coordinate Google and YouTube’s donation of 3,000 Google Chromebooks to students affected by the L.A. Fires in 2025.
When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or earthquakes occur, many people want to help immediately. But good intentions don’t always translate into effective help.
In the often unsettling first days following a disaster, what and how to donate matters. The “right” support can save lives. And, despite the best of intentions, the “wrong” kind can overwhelm or distract harried response teams.
Make your donation matter
Money: Monetary donations to a reputable organization are the best way to support survivors. It provides survivors the autonomy to immediately address their most urgent needs. Those purchases can help the local economy bounce back, too.
Time: Donating your time and skills can also make an impact after a disaster. California Volunteers is the state office that engages Californians in service, volunteering and civic action, and it lists volunteer opportunities throughout the state.
California Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is another resource. Local VOADs are groups of nonprofits, faith-based organizations and community organizations that work collaboratively responding to disasters.
Some organizations require training and background checks for potential volunteers. If you’re interested in spontaneous volunteer opportunities, contact local community groups hosting events to assist survivors and ask if they need help. The need for volunteers to help disaster survivors often extends long after flood waters recede and flames are extinguished. Look for long-term recovery groups for opportunities.
Locally requested items: If you want to give items, look for reputable organizations requesting specific goods. For example, a group requesting gently used blankets before an extreme winter storm.
What to avoid
Sending items like clothes, toys, canned foods, or household goods may seem like the right thing to do, especially after major disasters, but unless these items are requested, it’s best to steer clear.
Unsolicited items can overwhelm workers by creating sorting and storage problems. The same guidance applies to fire stations. Do not drop off items unless asked. While the gesture is appreciated, unrequested deliveries can quickly overwhelm stations that are focused on emergency response. Instead, use official donation sites or follow guidance from local authorities so help reaches survivors without slowing responders.
Rather than giving used goods, consider hosting a yard sale with neighbors and donating the proceeds to a disaster relief organization you trust.
Choose reputable organizations
Do your research to make sure your donation actually helps people. Confirm that the group is real and clearly explains where the money goes to lower the chance of scams, which often increase after disasters.
- Make sure the organization is legitimate. If you’re unsure, you can request its Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Verify the organization’s tax-exempt status by visiting the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Exempt Organization search tool.
- To donate to individuals, consider well-known online platforms which vet and verify fundraisers while providing donor protections.
Beware of donation scams
Scammers can take advantage of high emotions and devastation after a disaster. These schemes steal money meant for survivors, delay real relief efforts and may expose personal or financial information.
Before you donate:
- Avoid links from social media posts or the internet that you can’t verify
- Don’t trust unsolicited texts or calls asking for money
- Check the charity name carefully (scammers copy similar names)
- Use official websites
Remember, the best way to help is to pause, check trusted sources and give what is truly needed. Cash, verified volunteer support, and requested supplies make the biggest impact. When donations match real needs, communities recover faster and responders can focus on saving lives.