
With devastated homes still smoldering on the west side of L.A., groups in Orange County immediately went to work to provide relief.
Students, faculty, and staff rallied on Sunday to Los Angeles High School teacher Brandon Hart’s idea and began gathering everything from toys to toothpaste for the thousands of wildlife victims in and around Los Angeles.
Hundreds of students participated, organizers said.
By Monday morning, the students were back, loading four, massive 28-foot U-Haul trailers with relief supplies coordinated with emergency officials and delivered to victims.
“We relied on Los Alamitos High School’s storage space between delivery runs,” said Hart.
“Three drivers invested all of Monday in delivering donations. In that process, we learned that as of Monday 68 students at CSArts have lost their homes and over 350 are evacuated without stable housing,” he said.
“Nearly half of students attending CSArts have been affected by the Eaton fire. The entire campus has rallied to take on the work or organizing all of the donations for effective distribution to families that need help,” said Hart in a statement to ENE.
According to a Los Al Unified School District, school officials confirmed that on Sunday, January 12, Los Al High School held a Fire Donation Drive to support families affected by the devastating fires in the affected areas.
“I am overwhelmed with pride for our Griffin family’s generosity and compassion,” said Los Alamitos High School Principal Cristiana Krauss.
The Los Al donations were delivered to the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, where families in need will receive the items. Any surplus will be distributed through local YMCAs, the district said.
The school’s campus has already identified over 30 families of their students that have lost homes, according to the information provided by LAHS.
“Thanks to your kindness, we’ve brought comfort and hope to families facing unimaginable challenges. This is what makes our community so special,” said Krauss in her statement.
The event showcased the strength and unity of the Los Alamitos community, reaffirming its dedication to making a meaningful difference in times of crisis
Also this week, similar efforts are being undertaken by Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, in association with the City of Seal Beach, and the Seel Beach Lions Club.
Daren DeLeon, co-president of the Seal Beach Chamber, said he has also reached out to the Los Al Chamber for support. In recent months, the two Chambers have cooperated on several events. “Our hearts are with the Southern California families impacted by the recent fires,” DeLeon said in a message being circulated throughout the community.
“Some displaced families have found their way to our community, and together we’re stepping up to support them,” he said.
“Seal Beach has always been a community that shines brightest in times of need,” DeLeon said in the message to the community. “The city of Seal Beach and the Seal Beach Police Department, together with the Chamber of Commerce and Seal Beach Lions Club have partnered to provide relief for our fellow Californians.”
He said the relief supplies will collected from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for the next two Sundays, Jan. 19 and Jan. 26. “Clothing can no longer be accepted,” he said.
Toni Hauger, who works at the Los Al Chamber, confirmed the fact that they are also assisting in the relief effort.
