Local Nonprofit to Fill a Truck for Gary, Indiana, Repaying Eaton Fire Aid

Project Passion, Inc., the Pasadena nonprofit that grew out of the Eaton Fire relief effort, will collect hygiene supplies, diapers, cleaning products, gift cards and cash for storm-damaged Gary, Indiana, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1609 Navarro Ave. in Pasadena.

The event is being held in partnership with Relief Gang and a
coalition of local organizations like Victory Bible Church, Neighborhood Survants, Juicy Little Society, Its Bigger Than Us, and The Source LA.

The drive comes on the heels of Project Passion Founder Brandon Lamar’s recent trip to Gary, Indiana, where he spent two and a half days on the ground meeting with residents and community leaders, sharing best practices from the response to the Eaton Fire.

Gary, Indiana is recovering from severe storms that caused extended power outages and exposed infrastructure challenges, which caused the city, whose population is 85% African American, to be without power for over 14 days.

“I just got back from spending two and a half days in Gary, Indiana, and the need there is real and immediate,” said Lamar. “It reminded me so much of what our own community went through during the Eaton Fire and how the entire country showed up for us when we needed it most. Now it’s Gary’ s turn to need us, and we intend to show up the same way.”

Organizers are asking the public to donate:

*Personal hygiene items and bottled water — soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant,
feminine products, and more
*Diapers and baby essentials — adult and baby diapers in all sizes, formula, and baby food
*Cleaning Supplies
*Gift cards and monetary donations — grocery, restaurant, or retail cards to directly support families

Project Passion said no funds, donations, or other resources designated for the Eaton Fire relief or recovery are being redirected to the Gary effort. The organization said supplies and contributions for Gary are being collected separately through the “Fill The Truck event.”

IF YOU GO

Fill the Truck Day for Gary, Indiana, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Harambee Center, 1609 Navarro Ave., Pasadena. Donors can bring hygiene items, bottled water, adult and baby diapers, formula, baby food, cleaning supplies, gift cards and cash. Those who cannot attend can give through Project Passion’s donation page at zeffy.com/donation-form/dena-relief-drive. More information is at projectpassioninc.com or Staff@projectpassioninc.com.