J. Countess/WireImage(LOS ANGELES) — Veteran actor James Woods is using social media to help others in the midst of the California wildfires and the widespread destruction they’re causing. Using the fast-trending hashtag #SoCalFiresJamesWoods, the actor has helped displaced people connect with their loved ones.
One of Woods tweets Sunday night read, “#MISSING Kele Carter. Interesting situation ??????##CampFireJamesWoods #SoCalFiresJamesWoods see pic.”
Woods has been retweeting several messages like that, including that of Mari Irby, who was looking for her great uncle Al. A retweet from Woods connected the two. Irby told Good Morning America that she was “just immediately overwhelmed with gratitude.”
“The way the opportunity presented itself was through social media, through something like a hashtag, and it completely blows my mind,” she said.
Woods is also helping find shelter for pets and reconnect them with their owners. “#Found! This furry person is anxious to find its human! Do you know this #dog? West Valley Animal Shelter on Plummer. #WoolseyFire #SoCalFiresJamesWoods” is one of several tweets from him.
Woods also assisted fellow actor Alyssa Milano, with whom he’s regularly sparred on Twitter over political issues. But when Milano needed help evacuating her horses, Woods stepped up.
Milano tweeted over the weekend, “Thank you, Mr. Woods. Appreciate what you’re doing with your feed.”
Other celebs who have stepped up big to help the thousands displaced include Reese Witherspoon, who tweeted a local ABC News story on how to help others. She added, “Thank you to the firefighters and service men and women working so hard to protect from these devastating fires here in California. Your bravery and selflessness in these times of need is nothing short of heroic.”
Ben Affleck and Gerard Butler are also asking for donations to the services and organizations helping to manage the disaster and keep those affected safe.
Butler, who lost his home in the fires, wrote, “Returned to my house in Malibu after evacuating. Heartbreaking time across California. Inspired as ever by the courage, spirit and sacrifice of firefighters. Thank you @LAFD. If you can, support these brave men and women at http://SupportLAFD.org.”
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