When things get tough, Long Beach always steps up. Whether it’s volunteering, handing out free meals, or hosting fundraisers, our community knows how to show love and support. Over the past week, it’s been incredible to see everyone pitching in to help those affected by the LA fires. From people opening their homes to local restaurants donating food, the sense of togetherness has been nothing short of amazing.
Meanwhile, in LA, places like the Santa Anita racetrack have been going non-stop, offering food, clothes, and other essentials to people who lost everything. Volunteers have been working around the clock, and donation drives have been going strong since the wildfires in Los Angeles broke out. It’s been heartwarming to see so many people come together to help.
But let’s be real—beyond food and clothes, these folks need money to rebuild their lives and businesses. If you want to donate to some worthy causes and help out businesses that lost it all, here are three GoFundMe campaigns you should check out:
- Help Cat & Kevin Rebuild After Fire Loss
Cat and Kevin didn’t just lose their home in the Eaton fire—they lost everything they’d built together. Cat, who runs the non-profit Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue, has dedicated her life to saving special needs and elderly rabbits. Kevin, a special education teacher, has been working with low-income children with special needs. When the Eaton Fire hit, they had to flee with just the clothes on their backs, their laptops, a few important papers, and some medications for their beloved sanctuary rabbits. Thankfully, they managed to get all the bunnies out safely, but now they face the daunting task of rebuilding their organization so they can continue rescuing and caring for special needs rabbits. They were lucky to find shelter with a kind friend, but soon after, their worst fears were confirmed—their home and all their belongings were completely destroyed. Gone were irreplaceable heirlooms, like the handmade furniture Cat’s late father had crafted. Gone were all the supplies and gear for Zooh Corner, and perhaps most heartbreaking of all, the keepsakes and ashes of the rabbits Cat had cared for over the past 30 years. Despite the devastation of the LA fires, Cat and Kevin are determined to rebuild, but they need help to start over. Your support can help them find temporary housing, replace essentials, and keep their rescue work alive. Donate here.
- Help Rebuild June Bug Tattoo After Fire
June Bug Tattoo was more than just a tattoo studio—it was a dream brought to life by Isabela Livingstone, who opened the shop in Altadena in April of 2023. Her vision was to create a space where people could feel safe and comfortable while getting tattoos, especially for trans, queer, and neurodivergent individuals. June Bug quickly became a beloved haven for many, known for its welcoming vibe and commitment to inclusivity. Isabela poured her life savings into making that dream a reality, so losing it all in the Eaton fire has been devastating. Despite the heartbreak from the LA fires, Isabela has been overwhelmed by the support from women in the tattoo community, the Altadena neighborhood, and beyond. She’s determined to rebuild and keep the legacy of June Bug Tattoo alive. The funds raised will go toward finding a new space, securing permits and licenses, and covering necessary renovations, equipment, furniture, and supplies. Let’s help her bring back this incredible community space. Donate here.
- Help Rebuild Rayuela After Fire Rayuela Uno wasn’t just a school—it was a vibrant hub where kids in the community learned, laughed, and grew. For nearly 10 years, this Spanish Immersion Program has been helping kids become fluent speakers while fostering a spirit of empathy and global thinking. The fire may have taken the walls, but it didn’t take the heart of Rayuela. The school’s name, inspired by Julio Cortázar’s work, symbolizes a journey full of exploration and choices—and right now, they’re at a tough crossroads. But the community is determined to move forward and rebuild something even more special. Rayuela Dos, the campus for older students, is still standing, which gives everyone a sense of hope and continuity during this difficult time. Donations will go toward setting up a temporary space—like a garage conversion or mobile site—to keep the education going for their little learners. They also want to sponsor tuition for families hit hard by the fire. Helping Rayuela means giving kids a place to keep learning and growing while their community rebuilds. Donate here.
Even if you can’t donate, sharing these campaigns can go a long way. Every little bit helps, and supporting these businesses means helping our neighbors rebuild their lives from the devastation from the LA fires.
Long Beach and LA have always had each other’s backs, and now’s the time to keep that spirit alive. Together, we can make a difference and help these businesses come back stronger.
