Containers Donated for Disaster Relief in Southern California

January 29, 2025

Wildfires in Southern California have caused devastating damage, displacing thousands and creating an urgent need for relief and recovery resources.

Extensive Damage: Wildfires in Southern California have damaged over 2,000 structures across 27,000 acres.
Displacement: The Eaton fire alone has displaced thousands, having burned nearly 11,000 acres
Evacuations: Over 100,000 Los Angeles County residents were forced to evacuate due to the rapid spread of wildfires.

Get Simple Box has donated four shipping containers and delivered them to a pop-up relief hub operated by Harvest Fellowship, which is centralizing efforts to distribute essential supplies to wildfire-affected communities across Southern California. These containers are helping local groups organize their disaster relief work better:

Delivery of Resources: Four 40-foot shipping containers were delivered to Harvest Fellowship’s Riverside campus, serving as the backbone for the relief operations.
Operational Hub: The containers are being used as a central spot to keep and send out supplies needed in the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles areas.
Ongoing Needs: As the relief efforts progress, we anticipate a growing demand for additional containers to continue supporting the logistical needs of the recovery process.
Efficient Coordination: We’ve placed the containers in just the right spots to make sure they help the relief efforts as much as possible. This helps get important resources to people fast.

This approach matches our company’s commitment to community support but also showcases the practical impact of our storage solutions in facilitating large-scale disaster relief efforts. Learn more about the mission and values of Get Simple Box.

The Immediate Need for Storage in Disaster Relief

In the chaos that follows a wildfire, one of the most pressing needs is secure storage. Families often find themselves without a home overnight, their belongings at risk of further damage or loss. Disaster relief efforts, therefore, require quick and efficient solutions to store not only personal belongings but also the vast amounts of supplies needed for community recovery.

The donated containers from Get Simple Box are playing a critical role in these efforts. Earlier this week, the first of four 40 ft conex containers was delivered to Harvest Fellowship’s Riverside campus, kickstarting a large-scale operation to support wildfire relief across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles areas.

Get Simple Box’s Commitment to Community Support

“It was important to us to partner with an organization that would stay until the work was done and make a lasting impact beyond addressing the immediate fire damage,” said Ross Black, CEO of Get Simple Box. This sentiment underlines the commitment of Get Simple Box not just to provide temporary solutions but to be a part of the ongoing recovery process.

Harvest Fellowship’s relief hub, supported by these containers, ensures that essential supplies are received, stored, and distributed seamlessly to those in need.

How Portable Storage Helps Wildfire Recovery Efforts

Portable storage containers are uniquely suited to aid in disaster relief for several reasons:

Security and Mobility: They provide a secure, weather-resistant environment that can be relocated as recovery needs change.
Versatility: Containers can be used to store everything from household goods to recovery tools and medical supplies.
Speed: Deploying containers is fast, allowing organizations to set up impromptu distribution centers wherever needed.

In times of crisis, it’s easy to find fault with the response—whether it’s directed at the government, the unpredictable weather, or even the methods or equipment used by first responders. Yet, at Get Simple Box, we choose a different approach. “Our immediate reaction is always, ‘How can we help?’ These aren’t strangers in need of our criticism; they are our neighbors and our community in need of encouragement,” emphasized Manuel Ortiz, co-owner of Get Simple Box in Palm Springs, who is actively involved in streamlining operations at Harvest Fellowship’s campus for maximum efficiency.

Other Companies Supporting Wildfire Relief

Across Southern California, other companies have also seen how important storage is during disasters. For example, U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage at 92 locations to help those hit by wildfires, while So Cal Self Storage is providing discounted storage rates to help evacuees afford storage. While we compete with these companies in the storage business, we really cheer on their good work and contributions to the community.

Why Business & Nonprofit Partnerships Matter in Disaster Response

The collaboration between businesses like Get Simple Box and nonprofits such as Harvest Fellowship and Samaritan’s Purse exemplifies how partnerships can amplify the impact of disaster relief efforts. “For many first-responders, the level of destruction is unlike anything they’ve seen, and efficient operations like these are critical as we face a rebuilding process that could take five years or more,” noted Kevin Chalupka, U.S. Director of Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse.

Join Us in Supporting Wildfire Relief Efforts

As Southern California begins the long process of recovery, the support provided by these containers will be invaluable in helping communities rebuild.

How You Can Help:

Donate Essential Items:
Help provide for those affected by donating essential items. Your contributions can make a big difference in the lives of individuals and families struggling to regain stability. Here’s what is needed most:

Diapers
Baby formula
Baby wipes
New, packaged undergarments, socks, and jackets
Feminine hygiene products
Hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
Individually wrapped snacks
Non-perishable food

Volunteer Your Time: If you are local and able to volunteer, consider joining the efforts on the ground. Harvest Church is coordinating volunteers to help with various tasks needed for recovery and relief. You can sign up and learn more about volunteer opportunities through their LA Fire Relief page.

Financial Donations: You can also directly contribute to the relief efforts by donating to Samaritan’s Purse. Visit Samaritan’s Purse Wildfire Relief to see how you can make a financial contribution that will aid in disaster relief and recovery.

We invite you to join us in supporting these efforts. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every little bit helps. For more information on how you can assist, please contact one of our nearby storage locations directly.