California Wildfires Response
California Fires Relief Updates
On January 7, devastating wildfires fueled by fierce winds swept across Los Angeles County, burning tens of thousands of acres and displacing nearly 180,000 residents. A state of emergency was declared as the fires continue to rage. Mercy Chefs is on the ground delivering hot, nourishing meals to impacted communities.
Please join us in prayer as families navigate the aftermath of the California wildfires. For live updates and our distribution sites, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@MercyChefs). Visit here for volunteer opportunities.
January 31, 2025
Thank You for Helping Us Serve 27,000+ Meals
We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, amazing volunteers, and your unwavering support, which has enabled us to make a meaningful impact during our deployment in Southern California. Thanks to you, we’ve served over 27,000 meals to those affected by the LA wildfires.
January 28, 2025
A Kitchen Restored, A Community Rebuilt
When we arrived in Southern California, we needed a large kitchen for our relief efforts and found an abandoned ghost kitchen—unused for eight months. In just 48 hours, our team restored it, making it the heart of our response. But God had bigger plans.
Aveson Charter School lost its building in the fires. Determined to reopen, they had no way to serve school meals. We knew instantly this kitchen was meant for them. Our chefs stayed to train their staff and serve hot meals on the students’ first day back.
Now, this kitchen has a new purpose—feeding students and bringing hope to a school rising from the ashes. It was never just about a building—it was about God’s plan to nourish a community in need.
January 25, 2025
Being Pillars of Hope
Pastor Mario of Iglesias El Nuevo in Los Angeles has been a key partner in our California wildfire response. Together, we have distributed thousands of meals to those in desperate need, offering comfort and hope in a difficult time.
We are grateful for local churches that are pillars of their communities and serve them in and out of disaster. Their faithfulness inspires us as we continue to work together to make a lasting impact.
As Mercy Chefs actively serves wildfire victims in Southern California, you can support our relief efforts here.
January 24, 2025
Bringing Joy through a Simple Hot Meal
At Mercy Chefs, we serve more than meals—we provide comfort, hope, and a sense of normalcy. Our chefs create high-quality, balanced meals using fresh ingredients, and each one is covered in prayer.
For nearly 19 years, we have been proud to serve disaster survivors, first responders, and volunteers. We’ve provided over 18,000 meals to those affected by the LA wildfires. Thank you for supporting our relief efforts in Southern California.
January 23, 2025
Serving Coast to Coast: Courtney & Peter’s Story
Courtney and Peter have volunteered with Mercy Chefs during two major natural disasters, serving communities on opposite coasts. While visiting family in North Carolina, they stepped up after Hurricane Helene to provide meals and hope. Months later, back home in Southern California, they joined Mercy Chefs again—this time serving wildfire victims.
Volunteers like Courtney and Peter inspire us all, showing the true spirit of compassion during times of crisis. Volunteer and make a difference with Mercy Chefs today!
January 22, 2025
Standing with California Wildfire Survivors
Families who were forced to evacuate in Southern California are returning to devastation, with many losing everything to the LA wildfires. Mercy Chefs remains on the ground, providing hot meals to survivors, volunteers, and first responders. Each plate we serve is more than food—it’s a lifeline of hope and compassion. Support families in need of hot meals as they return to what remains of their homes.
January 21, 2025
Providing 15,000+ Meals
Mercy Chefs has already served over 15,000 meals to those affected by the LA wildfires, including first responders—many of whom have left the comfort of their homes to help those who have lost everything. The Rose Bowl Stadium, now the incident command center for the Eaton fire, houses over 4,000 firefighters, police officers, and out-of-state emergency personnel living in tents close to the flames. Before Mercy Chefs stepped in, crews like the Pasadena Fire Department relied on fast food for every meal.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue to feed body and soul in Southern California.
January 20, 2025
From Maui to the LA Wildfires
In 2023, we partnered with Pastor Sarah and Citizen Church Maui to serve hot meals during the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. More than 40% of her congregation lost their homes, and recovery efforts continue.
Now, Pastor Sarah has joined Mercy Chefs in Southern California to distribute meals and to offer prayer and comfort to families impacted by the LA wildfires. Her story is a powerful reminder that hope can rise from the ashes. Help us continue bringing hope and healing across Los Angeles County.
January 19, 2025
“I Just Thank God that We are Alive”
As the LA wildfires continue to rage, Southern California residents are facing unimaginable loss. While Maria’s home is still standing, she is without power or water, making it nearly impossible to prepare a meal. Mercy Chefs is on the ground, partnering with local churches to provide meals to the hardest-hit communities. Many, like Maria, are clinging to their faith and finding hope in the midst of devastation. Your support makes this possible. Join us in delivering more life-changing meals today.
January 18, 2025
Partnering to Bring Hope
When the LA wildfires swept through her community, Taylor, a member of Zoe Church LA, was forced to evacuate her home for 24 hours. While her house remained standing, many of her neighbors lost everything. Upon learning that her church was partnering with Mercy Chefs to provide hot meals to those affected, Taylor stepped in to serve. Her compassion and willingness to help reflect the heart of our calling—to be the hands and feet of Jesus in times of crisis.
We are deeply grateful for volunteers like Taylor, who make it possible to bring comfort and nourishment to those in need. To volunteer with us in Southern, California, please click here.
January 17, 2025
Helping Survivors on the Road to Recovery
When helicopters roared overhead, Martha’s family knew the wildfires were near. Within minutes, they fled with only their dog and family photos. Though their home survived, they returned to find it robbed—a harsh reality for many LA wildfire survivors. With limited relief in their area, Martha’s husband stayed back to protect their home, surviving on canned lentils until we arrived.
Mercy Chefs has already served thousands of hot meals to victims and first responders in Southern California. As the long road to recovery begins, we remain committed to serving thousands more meals. With your help, we can reach more families as they return to what remains of their homes.
January 16, 2025
Expanding Relief Efforts in Southern California
One week into the Greater LA wildfires, families are returning to sift through what’s left of their homes and belongings. Nick Beckman, Director of Logistics and Facilities, provides an update on Mercy Chefs’ relief efforts.
We are actively serving hot, nutritious meals in Southern California. For specific times and locations, please check our latest social media posts.
January 15, 2025
Hot Meals for Heroes on the Frontlines
For over a week, first responders in Southern California have been working tirelessly to battle the LA wildfires, often without time to pause for a proper meal. Mercy Chefs is partnering with response teams like the ATF to serve hot, nutritious meals to the brave men and women on the frontlines.
January 14, 2025
Feeding Families Facing Uncertainty
During our meal distribution in Southern California, we met Maria, a mother of four who had just returned from visiting her home. Fearing the worst after the Eaton fire, she was relieved to find it still standing. Maria and her children were overwhelmed with gratitude when we handed them warm, comforting meals—a small moment of hope.
Moments like this remind us how much a hot meal can mean to families facing an uncertain future after the LA wildfires. You can help provide meals to families like Maria’s by donating today.
January 13, 2025
Bringing Hope and Nourishment to LA
The devastation caused by the wildfires in California is overwhelming, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and burnt-out cars. Amid this heartbreak, we are humbled to provide hot, chef-prepared meals to those in need from our base of relief operations in Southern California.
As the Los Angeles community embarks on the challenging journey of recovery, we remain committed to offering nourishment and hope during this difficult time. Every gift helps bring comfort and care to families impacted by the LA wildfires. Support our relief efforts today.
January 12, 2025
First Meals Served Amid LA Wildfire Crisis
Strong winds are sweeping through Southern California once again and are expected to persist through midweek. The LA wildfires have taken a devastating toll, with the death count now at 16 and an increasing number of people reported missing.
Tonight, Mercy Chefs served our first hot meals in SoCal, bringing comfort and support to residents and first responders impacted by the Hurst fires. Our chefs prepared chicken pasta, garden salad, fresh-cut berries, and a honey-buttered roll. Join us in providing relief to affected communities in the days ahead.
January 12, 2025
Mercy Chefs on the Ground in Southern California
Our team on the ground is working with local partners and churches to establish a base of relief operations near the heart of the need in Los Angeles County. Nick Beckman, Director of Logistics and Facilities, shares firsthand his perspective at a daycare facility devastated by the wildfires in California.
As we set up our base kitchen and prepare to serve thousands of meals to those in need, your support can make a difference! Each meal costs just $3.50. Click here to donate.
Make a Donation
For just $3.50, you can provide a hot meal to a family in need, delivering immediate relief to wildfire victims in Los Angeles County and offering hope in their time of crisis.
Become a Volunteer
Join our team on the ground as a local volunteer. Together, we can make a difference for struggling families across Los Angeles County as we respond to the California wildfires.
Contact Us
For more information on how you, your church, or your organization can support our relief efforts in California, please fill out the form below.
