As fires roared through Los Angeles, Kathy T., a sixth-grade teacher who will retire in May and grew up in Altadena and Pasadena, offered to donate classroom supplies for next year. Kathy connected with other teachers on the We Are Teachers helpline. No one has responded so far, but Kathy wrote: “I think they are still upset about everything and are waiting to hear where they will be relocated.”
Since the Los Angeles fires began on January 7, 2025, more than 600,000 students have been evacuated due to the fires, and schools are reopening and serving students again on varying schedules. Regardless of when schools reopen, teachers and students will be returning to a very different classroom.
As teachers begin to understand their future needs, here are five ways to support teachers, with input from the We Are Teachers community.
1. Send a letter of encouragement.
When she was in kindergarten, Ms. Hannah K. received letters from other children after Hurricane Katrina and loved reading the letters sent by children her age. “Most of the letters were about what other people were doing to help other elementary school students across the country. … It was great to know that other people wanted to help, I was really happy.” —Hannah K.
Have students write letters or participate in a letter-writing campaign. Reach out to teachers in the We Are Teachers community to see who is ready to receive an envelope full of messages.
If you’re running a letter writing campaign, use these letter writing templates.
2. Pay attention to your wishlist.
As teachers and students return to school, they will learn more about what is needed now. Keep an eye out for our online wishlist where you can donate. One We Are Teachers contributor noted that demand for basic supplies (pencils, markers, paper) may increase as students return to learning.
3. Donate books.
Veronica Bain, a high school English teacher and author, set up a book donation form where teachers and parents can request or donate books. The initiative began with books for young people and expanded to include books for elementary and middle school students.
Learn more: LA Fire Book Donation Form
4. Check out GoFundMe.
This fundraising website has a donation request page for teachers. For example, one page supports a teacher and her husband in Altadena. Another page supports teachers at El Monte High School. Use your next school fundraiser to donate to a teacher or school on GoFundMe.
5. Donate to SupplyBank.org.
The California Department of Education has partnered with SupplyBank.org to provide resources to affected schools. This is a great way to make a general donation towards schools that need it most.
Also see 9 ways to support schools affected by natural disasters.
