Two weeks ago we welcomed 2025 with high hopes, not thinking that just a week later we’d be watching in horror as one of the worst natural disasters in California history unfolded right up the road. We’re starting to reckon with the scale and scope of the destruction brought by the Los Angeles wildfires, and as we do, it’s heartening to share such a substantial list of Downtown, citywide, and regional efforts to provide aid for the tens of thousands whose lives have been uprooted by this disaster.
Chris Sweeney, who owns and operates the Downtown meal prep and delivery service RightMealz, knew he had to get involved on the first night of the fires. “I was on the couch watching the coverage, and there was a scene of an assisted living home being evacuated,” he recalled. “These were people in their 80s and 90s, sitting in a wind-blown gas station parking lot in Altadena in wheelchairs and gurneys. I looked at my girlfriend and said, ‘I need to go do something.'”
RightMealz owner Chris Sweeney and volunteers loading donations into a U-Haul
Sweeney went over to the U-Haul rental yard with no plan, asked for the biggest truck available, and created a donations-wanted post on Instagram which got over 3,000 shares. “We filled that U-Haul up with donations on Thursday morning in two hours,” he said. “Then we filled up a second one. Then we completely filled a 26-foot truck. We have a solid squad of volunteers that brought boxes and other supplies. We found a hotel with 400 evacuees and their dogs, and we fed them all. We went on to drop sandwiches off at the L.A.F.D. Command Center. I spoke with a firefighter there who had just worked 42 hours straight!”
Chris Sweeney with members of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
“I saw a city I love that was burning,” said Angie Ngo, Marketing Manager at ISM Brewing, who was inspired to contribute her skills while watching wildfire relief efforts getting underway. “I’m always community-forward,” she explained. “I worked nine years in the nonprofit sector doing COVID emergency relief, pediatric cancer research, and more. It’s always been a part of me to be able to help in the best way I know how, which is organizing and coordinating.”
With ISM owner Ian McCall’s support, Ngo put together a donation drive collaboration with Sonoratown and The Ordinarie which specifically requested hygiene products. “We put out a list of the ones that are often overlooked, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, underwear, and socks. It’s the small, day-to-day things we need.”
Angie Ngo and members from the donation drive collaboration from ISM Brewing, Sonoratown, and The Ordinarie
Broken Spirits Distillery has been a steady presence in recovery efforts, accepting donations for the LA Food Bank. “We deployed 10 boxes that held approximately 100 pounds of donations apiece,” said Broken Spirits co-owner and chef Isaias Hernandez. “We were able to fill all of our boxes by Saturday so we returned them for a second round of donations. The Downtown community was looking for a way to help and the timing couldn’t have been better. It was uplifting to see everyone so willing to give.”
Last week, Hernandez and Long Beach journalist Brian Addison teamed up to raise funds for the World Center Kitchen, a nonprofit that mobilizes food distribution and donations for catastrophic events around the world. “We were able to sell $1,500 of our ‘Feed Fire with Fire’ meals, and we matched that donation,” Hernandez said. “Word spread quickly and I found myself smashing Wagyu Burgers from 11 AM ’til close on Saturday and Sunday!”
Broken Spirits co-owner and chef Isaias Hernandez preparing their ‘Feed Fire with Fire’ meals
Hernandez sang the praises of Broken Spirits partner Juree Bentrem, who raised $1,450 and purchased 140 meals for Dream Center LA, near Echo Park in L.A. “Juree has really inspired the movement to help within our company and I appreciate her selflessness,” he said.
Julie Darrell, who owns the eco-friendly East Village Shop BYO Long Beach, knew she could help as soon as she heard about fire evacuees who are recovering in Long Beach. “Many people had to flee the area in a hurry and may not have grabbed the things they needed to get by for a few days,” said Darrell. “After talking with some of my East Village neighbors, I felt my best contribution would be to provide products like laundry detergent, shampoo, and body wash.”
Travel-size amount of products prepared by BYO Long Beach
Darrell reached out to the community for more containers. “They really came through quickly! Someone brought in two grocery store bags full of clean baby food jars, which are ideal for giving someone a travel-size amount of product,” she said.
Joaquin Nunez, organizer of Downtown Runners LB, collaborated on a very successful food drive with Walter Terrazas and the Long Beach Run Club last weekend. All donations were given to The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Donations being sorted from the Downtown Runners LB & Trademark Brewing donation drive
“The turnout was great,” said Nunez. “Neither Walter nor I knew what to expect, and we were surprised by how many people stopped by to drop off goods.” Nunez expressed his gratitude to Trademark Brewing, who were kind enough to allow the clubs to use their space; Plantitas, who donated boxes and packing goods; and Marisol from Sol Wellness, who helped sort goods throughout the day.
Those interested in joining the relief effort can visit this list for donation, drive and volunteer opportunities. If you’re a part of a Downtown business or organization and you’re organizing a wildfire relief effort and would like to be added to the list, please email asiam@dtlb.org.
Special Update: Text LB2LA to 707070 to support wildfire relief efforts led by @longbeachcity, @rexrichardsonlb, and @calfund.