Utah nonprofit organization Lifting Hands International is sending aid to those devastated by the current wildfires in Los Angeles, California.
The L.A. wildfires have killed more than 20 individuals and destroyed more than 16,000 homes and structures across L.A., according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Because of this, aid is needed for those in L.A. more than ever.
“Lifting Hands is known most for serving refugees, but actually, we serve all displaced people,” Renae Kingsley, volunteer coordinator for Lifting Hands International, said. “We help stateside wherever some of our fellow citizens are displaced.”
The L.A. wildfires have displaced more than 100,000 people, according to NCHstats, and they are left without the shelter and supplies they need to survive. Kingsley said these wildfires have been some of the worst in L.A. history.
“We are really grateful that we're in a position to come reach out with some help and supplies,” Kingsley said. “It helps bring out the best of humanity when we all come together to serve in times of crisis.”
Elder Frischknecht, a service missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helps with packaging and shipments in the Lifting Hands International warehouse.
“It always gives me a little bigger scope,” Elder Frischknecht said. “I can see I'm doing something that's bigger than me.”
Lifting Hands invites members of the local Utah community to help provide emergency relief to the people of L.A.
“We are sending blankets, diapers, formula, protein bars, menstrual supplies, school kits, children's kits,” Kingsley said.
Lifting Hands sends a shipment to L.A. every Wednesday with supplies for those displaced, Kingsley said.
The Lifting Hands International warehouse welcomes donations and volunteers to help during this time of crisis.
While the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has announced that the wildfires are now fully contained, there is still a long road to recovery and rebuilding all that has been lost to the flames.