Lifting Up Los Angeles

Lifting Up Los Angeles: How You Can Support Wildfire Recovery

As residents of San Diego, our hearts go out to our neighbors in Los Angeles affected by the recent devastating wildfires. We are reminded that true wealth extends beyond financial assets to include acts of generosity, as these acts not only uplift those in need but also create a profound sense of fulfillment and joy in our own lives. The numerous inquiries from our friends, family, and clients about supporting relief efforts highlight the compassion and generosity that define you.

Reflecting on the Santa Rosa wildfires of 2017, we know that true recovery requires more than immediate aid. It demands ongoing support, thoughtful planning, and a deep well of empathy.

How You Can Contribute

Financial contributions give these organizations the flexibility to address evolving needs effectively. If you are unable to contribute financially and still want to help, consider volunteering. Whether distributing supplies, lending a listening ear, or organizing events, your time can be invaluable.

While there are many organizations doing great work, here are a handful if you are unsure where to start.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: From offering temporary shelters and showers to distributing essential supplies, the YMCA is a cornerstone of relief for displaced families and first responders alike.

Baby2Baby: Ensuring that children are not forgotten, this organization has provided over a million critical items like diapers, formula, and hygiene kits to families in crisis.

World Central Kitchen: A beacon of hope during disasters, this group delivers nourishing meals to first responders and those displaced, offering more than sustenance—a sense of community.

Best Friends Animal Society: Pets are family too. This organization works tirelessly to shelter pets, reunite them with their owners, and ensure no animal is left behind.

Helping Those Who Lost Their Homes

Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. From navigating insurance claims to finding stable housing, those affected face a long and challenging journey. Offering ongoing emotional support or connecting them to resources can make a world of difference.

This crisis reminds us that recovery is about more than replacing possessions; it’s about rebuilding lives. Together, we can turn devastation into renewal, helping our community heal and emerge stronger.

Your commitment to making a difference inspires us daily. Whether donating money, time, or resources, every act of kindness contributes to rebuilding lives and communities, offering a sense of purpose and connection that can lead to a happier life for both the giver and the receiver.

If there’s any way we can assist you in your efforts to support wildfire relief, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to foster hope and resilience for those who need it most.

Disclosure

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Market indices discussed are unmanaged. Investors cannot invest in unmanaged indices. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards.

Investing in securities in emerging markets involves special risks due to specific factors such as increased volatility, currency fluctuations and differences in auditing and other financial standards. Securities in emerging markets are volatile and can decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments.

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Investing in fixed income securities involves credit and interest rate risk. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Investing in commodities may involve greater volatility and is not suitable for all investors. Investing in a non-diversified fund that concentrates holdings into fewer securities or industries involves greater risk than investing in a more diversified fund. The equity securities of small companies may not be traded as often as equity securities of large companies so they may be difficult or impossible to sell. Neither diversification nor asset allocation assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets. Past performance is not an indicator of future results.

Financial Planning offered through Reason Financial, a state Registered Investment Advisor. Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Merit Financial Group and Reason Financial are separate entities. Tax related services offered through Reason Tax Group. Reason Tax Group is a separate legal entity and not affiliated with Merit Financial Group, LLC. Sean P. Storck CA Insurance Lic#OF25995 and Steven W. Pollock CA Insurance Lic#OE98073

Lifting Up Los Angeles