Dear MoveOn member,
Los Angeles is facing what is being called "apocalyptic" destruction from wildfires.1 At least 11 people are dead, more than 36,000 acres have burned, and thousands of homes have been destroyed. Worse, the largest fires still remain uncontained.2
During this time of crisis, World Central Kitchen is on the ground, delivering fresh, hot meals to families and first responders impacted by this disaster. These meals provide not only nourishment but also a vital source of comfort and hope.
The need is immense and growing. World Central Kitchen must expand its operations to meet the growing demand for meals in the days, weeks, and months ahead—and they can't do it without us.
This crisis is just one of many that World Central Kitchen has responded to worldwide, and along the way, MoveOn members have been there, supporting their crucial work.
Earlier this year, MoveOn members helped World Central Kitchen provide critical food aid in Gaza—where the organization lost seven brave team members in a targeted attack. MoveOn members helped World Central Kitchen raise over $1 million to support families displaced by the ongoing invasion in Ukraine. And we also helped them raise funds to help during Hurricane Ian in Florida and the Puerto Rico earthquakes.
World Central Kitchen's efforts have been so impactful that its founder, Chef José Andrés, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, earlier this week.3 As he was recognized by President Biden for his tireless humanitarian efforts, Chef Andrés reminded us that "a plate of food becomes a plate of hope … a light in dark times."4
Southern California residents who've lost everything—and those who are working around the clock to help to save lives and homes—need our help.
Your tax-deductible donation will directly fund World Central Kitchen's mission to distribute meals when and where they are needed most.
Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to World Central Kitchen today.
Climate change is fueling the conditions that make wildfires more destructive. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, explains that recent "hydroclimate whiplash" between intensely wet and scorchingly dry conditions is "arguably the worst climate sequence for wildfire in Southern California."5 A new study published by Swain in Nature this week confirms that this phenomenon has accelerated since the 1950s and could more than double as the planet warms.6
John, the families who have lost their homes and communities and others who were forced to flee urgently need our help. And that's exactly what World Central Kitchen is doing.
Their response to disasters has set a global standard for compassion and action. Whether it's a hot meal after a hurricane, a plate of hope during a war, or support in the aftermath of the most devastating wildfires in California history, World Central Kitchen is working to ensure that no one is left behind.
This is our chance to show up for Southern California and the brave first responders working tirelessly to save lives.
Thanks for all you do.
–Kelly, Rahna, Justin, Mia, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Live Updates: Fires in California leave at least 10 dead, decimate Los Angeles area," CBS News, January 10, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/201713?t=5&akid=420943%2E40999114%2EV5z0_-
2. Ibid.
3. "José Andrés Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom," GW Today, January 7, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/201714?t=7&akid=420943%2E40999114%2EV5z0_-
4. Ibid.
5. "7 Takeaways From the Seemingly Endless Fire Season," The New York Times, September 9, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/201710?t=9&akid=420943%2E40999114%2EV5z0_-
6. "Floods, droughts, then fires: Hydroclimate whiplash is speeding up globally," UCLA Newsroom, January 9, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/201715?t=11&akid=420943%2E40999114%2EV5z0_-
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