Several Hollywood stars have joined the fire relief efforts in the United States after massive wildfires around Los Angeles killed at least 16 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures.
The fire, the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles, has razed whole neighbourhoods to the ground, leaving just the smouldering ruins of what had been people’s homes and possessions.
The two big fires combined had consumed 35,000 acres (14,100 hectares), or 54 square miles - 2-1/2 times the land area of Manhattan.
Some 153,000 people remained under evacuation orders and another 166,800 faced evacuation warnings with a curfew in place for all evacuation zones, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Amidst this, a therapy dog named Jackie Robinson warmly greeted visitors at a local store hosting a charity event in Los Angeles. Shoppers browsed through an array of items, including dresses, coats, denim, shoes, and handbags.
The offerings included fresh underwear from Target, alongside new and gently used dresses from Zara, as well as some designer shoes from Gucci and Ferragamo.
Event organizer Cooper reported an outpouring of donations and volunteer support from influential figures across Los Angeles, such as actors, executives, lawyers, restaurant owners, and dedicated mothers. She noted that her connections with real estate agents in New York were also contributing by sending gift cards.
Cooper’s call for donations quickly resonated within a network of powerful women, prompting responses from actresses like Sharon Stone and Halle Berry. They donated items from their wardrobes, including sweaters, shoes, clothing, handbags, belts, and pajamas.
“I’m packing up my entire closet,” Berry shared on Instagram. “If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same. This is something we can do right now.”
Over the weekend, a Hollywood stylist arrived with two large bags filled with items from her closet and volunteered to help organize a charity store aimed at assisting fire victims in Los Angeles.
“I know people who have lost everything, and I feel devastated for even those I don’t know,” said Lisa Cera, who has styled celebrities like the Kardashians and Lenny Kravitz. “I decided to bring whatever I could.”
Ellen Bennett was selecting essentials for her 72-year-old mother, who lost her home in the recent Eaton fire. She focused on “the basics,” picking out socks, sweaters, pants, a jacket, and a pair of running shoes.
“She left her house with just her dog and a small bag, thinking she would return,” Bennett explained. “It’s heartwarming to see people coming together to help each other during this tragedy.”
Store owner Cooper recounted assisting a man in finding sneakers so he could enjoy running on the beach again, a simple pleasure he had missed since the fires began. She expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support her initiative has received.
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“This is a city of love, and everyone wants to lend a helping hand,” Cooper stated.
In an interview Page Six, Angelina Jolie said that she has housed people at her Los Feliz Home. The actress expressed her concerns over the crisis and added that she would donate to relief efforts in the coming weeks.
Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband donated $1 million to the victims. Kylie Jenner, Mark Zuckerberg, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle have also joined the relief efforts.
Jennifer Garner joined the social service by volunteering her time in a non-profit organisation that provides meals to those affected by disasters.
