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Avoid Donating Clothing for LA Fire Relief

By
Real Estate Agent with Versailles Property DRE 01791487,​NMLS1884138

Today, I took a truckload of donations to LA from my local community for the LA fire relief efforts. After spending the day navigating the donation process, I’ve discovered that most major LA donation sites are no longer accepting clothing. I visited five locations and was turned away at each one.


The overwhelming public response has particularly impacted the LA Rose Bowl donation center (Parking Lot I). Their operations have been relocated multiple times, from 100 Walnut Street to the Race Course, and they are now accepting food and drinks only. Even so, the drop-off wait times were extraordinarily long.


Schools, community colleges, and other donation sites are also overwhelmed and actively turning people away with clothing donations.


The Salvation Army was the only organization I found that still accepts clothing in LA. Their process was efficient, well-organized, and fully staffed to handle large contributions—they emptied my truck in just minutes.


If you want your donations to reach those in need, focus on non-perishable food, water, and other high-priority essentials instead. Thanks to all the firefighters and support teams!

Posted by

Houses in Irvine California

 

Comments(6)

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Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Good to know so many people want to help... 

Thank you for helping too! 

Jan 12, 2025 01:50 AM
Deepak Chauhan Asso-Broker, MLO

People patiently waited in lines, not honking or cutting off others. LA traffic is never so calm like that. 

Jan 12, 2025 03:42 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Thank you for your efforts to help! It's good to know the donation centers have been getting a ton of items.

Jan 12, 2025 04:48 AM
Deepak Chauhan Asso-Broker, MLO

There are many supplies in almost all collection centers; younger people carry water bottle cases on their heads and walking blocks to donate.

Jan 12, 2025 03:45 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hello Deepak... what a great update... I know people want to help but it is important to know what is most helpful.

Jan 12, 2025 06:01 AM
Deepak Chauhan Asso-Broker, MLO

Yes, it is all so dynamic; many things change daily. It was a good learning experience for me, too.

Jan 12, 2025 07:15 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Deepak - in many situations, people want to help but doing so can be a bit more complicated.  Understanding this can hopefully move efforts in the right direction. Let's face it, immediacy is important but patience and planning can go far when making the end result more successful. 

Jan 12, 2025 07:07 AM
Deepak Chauhan Asso-Broker, MLO

Hi Michael, as I get older, I need to test my endurance now and then; by my standards, I did well. Thanks for the comments.

Jan 12, 2025 07:18 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing your observations and advice.

Keep up your good work!

Jan 12, 2025 09:26 AM
Deepak Chauhan Asso-Broker, MLO

It's always good to hear from you, young man!

Jan 12, 2025 07:18 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Deepak- Thank you for taking the time to donate for the LA Fire Relief. And thank you again for sharing information about what not to donate. It's hard to know what is needed...all we know is that we want to help!

Jan 12, 2025 06:08 PM
Deepak Chauhan Asso-Broker, MLO

I’m so glad I decided to do this—it’s like blood donation or jury duty; you don’t truly understand its importance until you experience it yourself. Thank you Kathy for stopping by!

Jan 12, 2025 07:21 PM