12 ways to donate clothing to the victims of the LA wildfires
It’s been a week since unprecedented wildfires first broke out across LA in Altadena, Pasadena and the Palisades. Now, the city is bracing for more threats because of an increased wind forecast over the next several days. The mass devastation has been deeply tragic — at least 24 lives lost, tens of thousands of acres of land burned, and hundreds of thousands displaced, left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Homes have completely vanished, and with them, lifetimes' worth of memories and heirlooms, precious things that can never be replaced.
On the ground, neighbours and community members have rallied together to try to help alleviate some of this immense pain and grief. Large-scale organisations have promised to provide aid to victims and the firefighters on the front lines, many of them incarcerated men and women being paid nearly nothing. At the same time, grassroots initiatives have spread across social media, like the Google spreadsheets listing unhoused Black and Latine families in Altadena and Pasadena, to whom you can donate directly.
There has also been a surge of clothing drives and donation initiatives over the last several days, many of which are being led by those who work in the fashion industry. Stylists, vintage dealers, commercial brands, and independent labels have set up donation drop-off centres around the Los Angeles area, while others are hosting sales and driving drop-offs to larger organisations that donate the clothing to those in need. Donating clothing is one of many ways to help the victims of the LA wildfires and, though it might feel small, it's something that can make a huge difference for people who fled their homes with one suitcase or, in many cases, empty-handed.
Below, we’ve gathered 12 initiatives focused on clothing donations in Los Angeles, either led by or recommended by those our fashion community. A little help can go a long way, especially when it comes to getting people dressed, helping them move forward, and giving them hope for an uncertain future.
Altadena Girls
Local teenagers set up this drive to collect clothing, accessories, and more for their friends and family in Altadena, and now several members of the fashion industry, including LA local Priscilla Yael of Pechuga Vintage, are also involved. The group is accepting in-person drop-offs as well as shipments from outside of LA. You can also donate funds to the cause directly at the link in their Instagram bio. There is also now an Altadena Boys organisation to donate to as well.
Seconds Market
This online marketplace will match you with a recipient based on size, gender, and age. They offer both shipping and local drop-offs. All information is available at the link in their Instagram bio.
LA Clothing Drive
Led by fashion stylist Lana Jay Lackey, this initiative was organised by a group of stylists, producers, coordinators, and assistants to compile packages of new and unused clothing from individuals and brands based on specific sizes and needs. To receive information regarding drop-offs and shipments, you can email them directly at laclothingdrive@gmail.com.
Hommegirls
The New York-based fashion label and publication is asking partners and publicists for unused clothing, shoes and beauty items.
J.Crew
In addition to the donations the company has made to @calfund and @pasadenahumane, on 15 and 16 January from 12 to 5pm, the Beverly Connection J.Crew Factory will be giving away free clothing for adults and children, plus N95 masks.
Walkgood LA
Recommended by @shesunderrated personality Serena Morris, who will be hosting her own fundraiser in the coming weeks, this is a family-led community wellness programme that was founded during the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition to accepting non-perishable food, bottled water, masks, and more, Walkgood LA is also accepting gift cards for clothing stores, including Nordstrom Rack, Gap/Old Navy, and Macy’s, among others.
Suay Sew Shop
This small business focused on upcycling is distributing clothing to anyone impacted by the fires. They’re also accepting donations via shipment, and hosting community events with free food, music and wellness support.
Citizens of Humanity and Agolde
The LA-based denim brands have opened several donation centres throughout the city. They are providing men’s and women’s clothing from their brands, and each individual can select three days worth of clothing including tops and jeans.
Sundae School
This week, the LA-based brand Sundae School is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of its LA fleece and upcoming collection drop to support the Wildfire Recovery Fund. They are also working with Circular Library to organise a drop-off of essential goods.
Everybody World
Everybody World, which is entirely made in LA, is giving away free clothing at its headquarters at 5718 Santa Fe Ave. in Huntington Park. They’re also working with other local labels and brands to collect and distribute clothing to various organisations around the city.
Paloma Elsesser Closet Sale
Model and author Paloma Elsesser is partnering with producer and Hommegirls managing director Ariella Starkman on a designer closet sale taking place this Saturday 18 January at Kalimera vintage store in Brooklyn. All proceeds will go directly to immediate mutual aid funds across LA.
Collina Strada
Collina Strada designer Hillary Taymour is a Los Angeles native and has been collecting clothing to send to LA Clothing Drive and Give a Frock. She will also be holding an online sale in the coming days with a portion of profits going to individual GoFundMe Campaigns.
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