Local businesses, organizations step up to help

Southern California's latest round of wildfires has caused chaos and disruption for many Southland residents.

But a host of San Gabriel Valley businesses and organizations have stepped up to donate food, blankets and other needed items to Diamond Bar residents who were displaced by the Triangle Complex Fire.

Giving, in times of disaster, is always a good thing. In fact, I would argue that it's one of the best of things. If you don't believe me, remember how we came together after the 9-11 terrorist attacks - or after the Northridge earthquake.

In a climate where CEOs are skating away with over-sized severance packages while their companies go down the tubes, a little sense of selflessness can go a long way. Today, I interviewed several companies and organizations that chose to help displaced residents who couldn't go back to their homes while fire crews were still battling it out.

And those are the lucky ones, the ones whose homes are still standing.

Others have lost much more - their homes, their family photos, their keepsakes and their very connection with who they are in the world.

So if you go to bed safe in your own home tonight, give a little thanks. And tip your hat to these companies and organizations for having a conscience.

It's something we could use more of these days.