As the fires rage in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz companies are continuing to step up to show their support for the victims.

Local sock company, MERGE4, has launched a campaign called "Socks of Support" where they will be donating a portion of the proceeds from every pair of socks sold to relief efforts.

Climatize, a Santa Cruz-based climate tech company, is also donating to the cause. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, they announced that they will be donating 10% of their January revenue to the California Fire Foundation.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of the LA fires," Climatize wrote. "So to help both in the recovery as well as the mitigation, Climatize will be donating 10% of January's revenue to the California Fire Foundation to support both firefighters and the families in need."

The company went on to connect the fires to climate change. "Climate change is warming our planet causing drier conditions which increase the risk and intensity of fires that have ravaged our communities," they wrote. "We have the technologies needed to reduce our emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change but we need to act now, otherwise climate disasters like the #PalisadesFire will create even more damage.

Visit us at www.climatize.earth to learn more."

These are just two examples of how Santa Cruz companies are coming together to support those affected by the wildfires. In addition to the companies mentioned above, there are many other ways that people in Santa Cruz can help. Here are a few suggestions:

• Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department

• Volunteer your time to help with relief efforts. Spanish speakers are especially needed.

• Collect, sort, label, and donate needed supplies, such as food, water, and diapers and clothing especially for babies and children (check Facebook groups like The Santa Cruz Community as several community members have been driving supplies down)

By working together, we can help our neighbors in need and rebuild their communities.