John, I just got back from a program visit in L.A.

It always brings me joy to see kids just being kids, laughing and having fun together. Children are so resilient. But I’ll also never forget hearing them talk about how they lost their homes or their schools or their pets, and how scared they were feeling. 

And that’s why Save the Children is there. 

Right now, Save the Children is partnering with Project Camp, a local organization that’s providing day camps where children can learn and play while their caregivers figure out what’s next. With the help of our generous donors, we’ve supported staffing at Project Camp, which is a crucial step toward long-term recovery. For kids, there’s no better way to start the healing process than through play!

One of the first steps of recovery for children after a disaster is being able to once again interact, learn and play with kids their own age.

Providing children with a safe space full of care and warmth is an incredible thing to see. Many of the staff and volunteers helping are from the region, and many of them have lost their homes, too. This support is so important – it allows the children to feel more comfortable and helps protect their mental health and well-being.

But we can’t ignore the reality that it will take years for families to fully recover after this traumatic event. As of January 14, over 55 public schools have been impacted by the wildfires — an immediate disruption to thousands of kids’ education. That’s just the beginning of the challenges they’ll face in the weeks and months ahead.

Save the Children is the national leader in child-focused emergency response and recovery. We’re not just here to meet communities’ immediate needs. We stick around for months and sometimes even years — long after the cameras stop rolling — to help children return to normal.  

Will you join us in showing up during this moment of immense need? Please, make a gift that will power our emergency response for children affected by disasters like wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes across the country.

Together with Project Camp, we set up emergency childcare “pop up” centers throughout Los Angeles where children who are evacuated or out of school can safely play. 

We'll send you further updates in the coming weeks about all we’re doing with our local partners for children and families impacted by the wildfires. 

For now, I’m asking you to join this wave of action and generosity following the California wildfires by contributing to Save the Children’s Emergency Fund. This essential pool of funds supports our response to emergencies across the U.S. so we can hit the ground running and provide immediate assistance where it’s needed most. It’s why we were able to provide essential supplies and help Project Camp launch so quickly. But to ensure the next emergency is covered, too, we must replenish these critical funds.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You’re helping us create brighter futures for children right here in the U.S.

With gratitude,

Janti Soeripto
President & CEO, Save the Children

P.S. Save the Children Ambassador Jennifer Garner stopped by the Today Show earlier this week to speak about how the wildfires personally affected her community — and share her experiences volunteering at Project Camp. Check it out here and help spread the word!