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Education

Santa Monica College hosts donation drive to help Westside fire victims

Smoke billows in the background of a sandy beach area with rollercoasters.
Plumes of smoke are seen as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades as seen from Santa Monica, California on January 7, 2025.
(
Agustin Paullier
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

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Topline:

Santa Monica College will hold a donation drive this Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 13-14, to gather aid for students, employees, and other community members who’ve been affected by recent fires.

How have students been affected? Campuses throughout Greater L.A. opted to pivot to remote instruction this past week in response to numerous wildfires. Officials have told students and faculty to stand by for updates as they continue to monitor the fires and the weather conditions over the weekend.

What can I donate? The SMC Foundation will collect food (including pasta, lentils, rice, and canned goods); hygiene products; baby supplies (including wipes, formula, and pacifiers); and new or gently used clothing and blankets.

Where and when: The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at SMC's Bundy Campus, 3171 S. Bundy Drive, Los Angeles. (Good to note: This is not the main campus.)

How else can I help? The SMC Foundation has also established a Disaster Support Fund. Its goal is to raise at least $250,000 to provide students, faculty, and staff with temporary housing, food, water, clothing, transportation, medical supplies, school materials, and support with other immediate needs.

Go deeper: Experts tell us the best way to help LA's fire victims right now

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