How You Can Help
With lives lost, structures and homes destroyed, and thousands displaced due to the Woolsey, Hill, and Camp Fires, we as a college community have an opportunity to come together and help those in need. No contribution is too small!
Listen
- Checking in with friends, family, and classmates to see if and how they have been affected can make others feel supported during this difficult time. Offering support to your immediate community is a great way to help đź’–
Donate
- Moorpark College Pantry’s “Grab and Go Groceries” is located in the Campus Center, 129; Food Donations can be dropped off during the distribution time from 1-3pm and 5-7pm on Tuesdays.
- For monetary donations, please visit their website:
- https://rubencastrocharities.org/moorpark-college-pantry/
- Salvation Army: KTLA has partnered with the Salvation Army for a wildfire relief fund. Find out how to donate at KTLA.com/fire.
- American Red Cross: The organization is providing shelter and food for victims of the wildfire throughout different areas affected by the blazes. Those hoping to donate can visit Redcross.org, call 1-800-Red-Cross, or text REDCROSS to 90999.
- The Ventura County Community Foundation has set up a fund to support the needs of local nonprofits serving the victims of the Woolsey and Hill fires.
- Shake Shack said on Tuesday, Nov. 13, its Westlake Village location will donate 100 percent of its proceeds to the Ventura County Community Foundation. The company also said it won’t charge rescue workers, law enforcement officers and firefighters in Thousand Oaks for their meals the entire week.
- United Way of Los Angeles: The L.A. chapter of the organization is teaming up with the United Way of Ventura County to accept donations though its disaster relief fund.
- Entertainment Industry Foundation: The organization is accepting donations for firefighters and other first responders through its Fire Relief Fund.
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: L.A. County officials recommended giving monetary donations to this firefighter organization along with a few other local nonprofits.
- GoFundMe created one page linking to verified campaigns set up on the website, including funds for first responders and schools affected by the fires.
Help Animals Affected by Fires
- The Humane Society of Ventura County: The humane society is accepting animals that are evacuating from the fires are looking for donations. Those looking to help can also buy items through the organization’s Amazon Wish List.
- The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: The foundation is also housing evacuated animals and is accepting donations.
- L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control is asking for people to adopt pets from local shelters during the fires.
Volunteer
- American Red Cross: Residents can also volunteer with the Red Cross during disasters.
- City of Los Angeles: The city was looking for volunteers to help. Those looking to donate or volunteer can head to go to the City Council District 3 donations center at 19040 Vanowen St., in Reseda, which is open until 2 p.m. Saturday
Self-Care
Recovering from a traumatic experience is a process and everyone experiences it differently and in their own time. One of the most important strategies for recovery from trauma is self-care.
- Get adequate sleep and eat healthy foods. Grieving takes a lot of energy and your body needs nourishment and rest.
- Exercise regularly; it helps with anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.
- Don’t isolate yourself from others. Spend time with family and friends who can provide you with emotional support.
- Allow yourself to laugh. Don’t
underestimate the power of small pleasures and diversions! - Accept caring and practical support from others and let others know what you need.
- Avoid using drugs and alcohol to cope with emotions; they can conceal legitimate emotions and disturb the grieving process.
- Talk about your feelings with people who care about you and will listen without judgment. Seek help from professionals when appropriate.
- Allow yourself to cry; crying is a natural part of grief.
- Give yourself all the time you need to feel and understand the loss.
- Don’t isolate yourself from others. Spend time with family and friends who can provide you with emotional support.
- Maintain a normal routine and take care of what needs to get done. Start with smaller
tasks and move on to bigger ones in time. - Be kind to yourself!
Typical Reactions to Trauma
It’s very common, in fact quite normal, for people to have strong emotional or physical reactions after a traumatic event. While immediate trauma reactions surface quickly and are readily detectable, long-term reactions
surface gradually and may be harder to identify.
Below are some of the common signs and signals of a trauma reaction. These are normal experiences we all feel, but pay attention when they occur more frequently or are stronger than usual. If they begin to interfere
with your academic or personal life, please seek help.
- Shock or Numbness
- Anger or Irritability
- Sadness
- Confusion
- Terror
- Shame
- Suspiciousness or Paranoia
- Problems with concentration
- Emotional Outbursts
- Anxiety
- Isolation from social support
- Disruptions in sleep or appetite
- Flashbacks or Nightmares
- Startle responses or Hyper vigilance
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, elevated heart rate, or weakness
Moorpark College Student Health Center
(805) 378-1413
7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Monday/Thursday 8:00 – 5:00 | Tuesday/Wednesday 9:00 – 6:00 | Friday 8:00 – Noon
Above content adapted from UCSB Counseling & Psychological Services