As the fires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, communities are uniting in solidarity, particularly the Filipino American community.
Since breaking out on January 7th, the LA fires have devastated 12,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings, leading to the evacuation of 100,000 residents and claiming 24 lives. Filipino businesses across the county are coming together to bolster their community.
Island Pacific Supermarket, a Filipino-owned grocery chain, launched a series of relief efforts to aid its community. The chain announced on its social media that it will donate thousands of essential supplies to wildfire-stricken areas and provide complimentary meals to First Responders.
Their relief campaign has delivered thousands of essential goods to the LA Regional Food Bank, a nonprofit organization working to provide wildfire relief throughout the region.
Additionally, Island Pacific is rallying community members to get involved in relief efforts. Volunteers can sign up through their Facebook page.
“Island Pacific stands in solidarity with our brave First Responders who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. Take a moment to recharge and enjoy a meal on us—it’s the least we can do to show our gratitude during these challenging times,” Island Pacific expressed in an Instagram post.
Los Angeles ranks first among U.S. metropolitan areas with the highest population of Filipinos, boasting more than half a million residents. In West Covina, Los Angeles, restaurant owner Charina Vergara fronted an initiative to create a space for relief efforts within her community.
In collaboration with fellow Filipino Americans and local businesses in the area, Vergara opened her business, Titos Bar and Restaurant, as a donation hub for LA fire victims, including 191 displaced Filipino community members.
Since announcing the window for donation on January 11th, Vergara has been overwhelmed with community support and an influx of goods such as hygiene supplies, diapers, and blankets.
Many volunteers delivered items to evacuation centers like the Hilton Garden Inn Sonoma, housing 175 uprooted families.
Like Island Pacific Supermarket, Titos Bar and Restaurant extended its initiatives to firefighters by providing them with complimentary pizzas.
The Phillippines Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) are working in tandem to provide services to displaced Filipinos affected by the fires.
PWC has set up a donation page and is conducting a survey to engage more effectively with the community.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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