Las Vegas Businesses Rally to Support Southern California Wildfire Victims: How You Can Help

Local Las Vegas businesses have banded together to support Southern California as it faces devastating wildfires and jaw-dropping destruction.

Officials report that 11 people have died in the official death count from the fires, and over 180,000 people need to evacuate.

The six active fires have thinned city resources, prompting firefighters from Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Mexico to help battle the blazes and relieve crews across the region.

Many Las Vegans have ties to LA, making it our sister city. Families in our community have been affected, and a few local organizations have responded to the crisis that Los Angeles faces.

The Refined Restaurant Group will be donating a portion of its sales from Thursday to Sunday to the World Central Kitchen, which is providing meals and crisis support to Southern California. The Refined Restaurant Group owns Café Lola, Saint Honoré and 3 Little Chicks.

The Jewish community of Las Vegas is also organizing a donation drive. Congregation Ner Tamid is collecting essential items and funds to support displaced individuals. Fox 5 reports they're looking for non-perishable food, over-the-counter medications, personal hygiene products, pet supplies, school supplies, strollers, teddy bears, $25 gift cards to Walmart and Target, diapers (adults and children), backpacks, and blankets.

The drop-off times for the supplies are:

The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has sent volunteers to Los Angeles to help mitigate the crisis and provide emergency-relief efforts. The local Vegas chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting monetary donations to provide shelter, food, and mental health services to wildfire victims. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). The nonprofit's executive director Rachel Flanigan said they're currently in need of money and blood donations as well.

Devastating brush fires are sweeping across Southern California, claiming five lives and reducing thousands of buildings to ash.

The LA Times reports three major fires happening as of Wednesday: The Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire. The Palisades Fire is the largest, scorching over 15,800 acres. The Eaton Fire has consumed more than 10,000 acres, while the Hurst Fire has burned 700 acres.

Officials have issued evacuation orders in Calabasas, Malibu, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre, NBC reports. And surrounding areas in the region have been told to "stay ready."

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said the Eaton Fire was at 0% containment during a press conference around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. He also said this was the "worst case scenario."

The strong Santa Ana Winds in Southern California further helped the embers spread, aiding the fire to unfurl and grow rapidly, Chief Augustin said.

Iconic structures and buildings across Pacific Coast Highway have burnt completely, leaving steel exoskeletons and bare construction beams. NBC also reports a "preliminary review from J.P. Morgan's insurance analysts estimated that losses from the fires could top $10 billion."

24 school districts in Los Angeles County canceled classes and activities on Wednesday, and most likely will continue to cancel school until the fire is safely contained.

Countless people have lost their homes, thousands of animals need shelter and Californian staples have been scorched to unrecognizable scenes.

The LA Food Bank is working with agencies across the state to help disperse resources across fire departments and affected areas. To donate, click here.

To help support the Los Angeles Fire Department, you can also donate by clicking here.

Many animal shelters in Southern California have asked the public to help with donations and monetary support. The Pasadena Humane Society reports they've taken in over 100 animals since Tuesday night. To donate to the Human Society's wildfire relief, click here.

 Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation. The Red Cross is on the ground in Southern California, helping the community to "make sure no one faces these intense and fast-moving wildfires alone."