LDS Church continues LA relief efforts with $1.2 million contribution

Matthew Drachman, ABC4

LOS ANGELES, California (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has given a reported $1.2 million to aid in disaster relief after the devastating LA wildfires.

Working with several organizations, The Church says they’re hoping to provide immediate relief to those who are struggling with shelter, food, or health insecurity due to the impact of the wildfires.

“Even in the most difficult and darkest of times, there is light and goodness all around us,” Elder Mark A. Bragg, west area general president, said in a statement released by The Church. “I see the light of Christ working through these organizations, families, friends, and even complete strangers serving, comforting, and praying for all those in need.”

It has been over two weeks since the dual fires of Eaton and Palisades. Each burning a combined total of nearly 40,000 acres of land and displacing nearly half a million people. According to the last church update, 48 church member homes had been burned, and 750 members remain displaced.

At the time of this writing, containment of both fires ranged from 79-95%.

The Church identifies 4 organizations they are working with to provide relief to those affected by the fires. These include:

Each organization is being geared to address different issues that displaced people are facing. The ARC is set to aid more than 10,000 people by providing shelter and medical supplies. The IMC is working to deliver medical services to nearly 15,000 people, followed by Project Hope providing needed supplies to 15,000 people. Save the Children is set to provide mental and emotional healthcare to 2,240 children affected by the fires.

The Church is asking for anyone interested in helping their humanitarian efforts to donate, or to volunteer through Just Serve. For more information about the ongoing wildfires, visit the California wildfire tracker.