L.A. wildfires’ impact includes the Boise State football family. Here’s how to help
The Los Angeles wildfires that have burned nearly 40,000 acres — with the Palisades Fire being the largest — and killed at least 24 people erupted less than a week ago, but they have caused an estimated $275 billion in damages to the Los Angeles County area.
With L.A. County alone having a population of approximately 9.6 million — about 18 times more people than Ada County holds — the loss and devastation extends far beyond Southern California, as families and loved ones across the nation watch those closest to them lose nearly everything.
The Treasure Valley is no exception, and the Boise State football family has been affected as well.
Boise State sophomore safety Ty Benefield took to social media over the weekend to ask for help raising funds for his grandparents, who lost their house in the fires north of downtown Los Angeles. Benefield grew up in Irvine, California, south of L.A. and about 50 miles away from the wildfires.
“My grandparents lost their house & years of memories because of the California Wildfires,” Benefield wrote. “I’d really appreciate it if y’all could help them out. Anything helps.”
The Benefields have created a GoFundMe to help rebuild the family home, according to the fundraiser’s title. You can donate money by clicking here.
Former Boise State cornerback and kick returner Avery Williams, who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons, lost his childhood home, according to a social media post.
“The house I grew up in is gone. Me and my family are completely safe and will be just fine,” Williams wrote. “But there’s thousands of families that have lost everything and need help. DONATE if you can. RETWEET and SHARE.”
He provided a link to donate to the California Fire Foundation, which provides long-term fire and disaster relief to Californians.
