• by Tanya Gazdik , January 12, 2025

Photo Credit: American Red Cross
Red Cross disaster responders are on the ground assisting hundreds of people and pets forced to flee their homes. 

Walt Disney, retailers and automakers are among the companies stepping up to help the tens of thousands of residents impacted by the California wildfires.

The Walt Disney Co., the parent company of ABC News, is committing $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts.

The company said it is working with several on-the-ground relief groups including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

“As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation,” said Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Co., in a statement. “Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.”

Walmart and Kroger are both pledging millions in funds and supplies, according to ABC News. 

Walmart is committing $2.5 million to support wildfire relief efforts. Over the past several days, Walmart stores in Southern California have donated food, water and gift cards to help first responders and shelters support people in need. The retailer is also working with nonprofits and suppliers to bring resources into communities, such as free meals.

The Kroger Family of Companies, which owns supermarket chains nationwide, is donating $1 million for families impacted by the fire.

American Honda Motor Co. is donating $500,000 and Kia America is donating $250,000 to American Red Cross relief efforts for the wildfires. Hyundai and Genesis Motor America are donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross and $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation for immediate disaster relief and recovery efforts supporting evacuees and first responders.

The three brand are all headquartered in the area, with Los Angeles home to Honda’s U.S. sales and marketing headquarters. Kia is headquartered south of Los Angeles in Irvine, California and Hyundai has significant operations in California, including its North American headquarters.

The NFL Foundation and owners of four teams — Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans -- will provide $5 million to support communities affected by the fires,the league announced.

The Rams-Vikings Monday night playoff game is being moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, "in the interest of public safety.”

But some social media users were not happy with that decision. 

Last summer, more than 1,600 policies for homeowners in Pacific Palisades, California, one of the areas affected by fires in California, were dropped by State Farm, the insurance company, according to reports from USA Today and others.