A coalition of local organizations will host a comprehensive relief event this Saturday for residents who lost their homes in the Altadena fire. The giveaway, coordinated by Simply Divine Beauty Supply owner Keshia Darden alongside ROC, Sabbaths Rest, Tulia’s Tacos, and Bake My Day, focuses particularly on helping students return to school while providing essential supplies and services to affected families.
“Everybody that lost their homes during the fire” is eligible to attend, Darden emphasized. The event stems from a partnership between Darden and a fellow Second Baptist Church of Monrovia member, who initially planned a jacket donation drive before expanding their mission in response to the fire’s impact.
The event will take place January 25 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Simply Divine Beauty Supply, 421 E Woodbury Road in Altadena. Representatives from the Small Business Administration and FEMA will assist residents experiencing difficulties with their aid applications.
“We want to make sure they have school supplies because they lost things in the fire too,” said Darden. “We thought about the kids because there are so many people doing givebacks, but we haven’t really seen anything for the kids.”
The organizers will distribute new undergarments, socks, blankets, jackets, and toiletries. Licensed registered nurses will provide blood pressure checks, and hot food will be served. They are also accepting donations of gas, grocery, fast food, and debit gift cards.
Darden’s connection to the crisis is personal. “We own a business in Altadena and we were closed down and evacuated. We got some pretty major damage, but the building didn’t burn. Then we started speaking to people that lost their home. So that’s what motivated us to do it,” she explained.
The grassroots initiative operates without corporate sponsorship. “We don’t have any sponsors. So we’re just doing what we can from the heart,” Darden said. She emphasized their goal is to help those truly in need: “First of all, it’ll go to the people that need it, not to people that are just showing up to take advantage of an opportunity.”
“I’m just so devastated. I’m really still in shock,” Darden added. “It looks like a war zone because now I’ve been able to drive around and my heart just goes out to all the people that lost their homes.” She noted that many residents are “mentally struggling” with the disaster’s impact.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Typhanie at 626-586-9844 or Keshia at 626-831-2228.
