Rotarians from across Orange County and Los Angeles joined forces to support victims of the devastating Los Angeles fires. Over a single weekend, Rotary clubs in Rotary District 5320 (which comprises Orange County and Long Beach) orchestrated a donation drive, collecting enough supplies to fill a 53-foot semi-truck trailer with essential goods, including pet supplies, baby clothes, food, water, and toiletries. The total value of the donations, in supplies and monetary contributions, was $156,477.
The effort was led by Rotary District 5320 Governor Chris Skorina and Chief of Staff/District Governor Nominee Designate Heidi Larkin-Reed. Their leadership helped mobilize communities to act swiftly and decisively.
“When a crisis hits, Rotarians are people of action,” said Governor Skorina. “We put out the call on Wednesday, and by Sunday, we had filled an entire semi-truck trailer.”
The truck and trailer, crucial to the operation, were generously donated by Past District Governor Greg Owen and his wife, Val. “We are so grateful for the truck and trailer,” said Larkin-Reed. “This donation made a significant impact on what we could accomplish.”
To ensure the relief efforts met the specific needs of the affected areas, Larkin-Reed collaborated closely with District Governors in impacted communities. Acting as the primary organizer, she coordinated the collection and delivery of items such as diapers, toiletries, non-perishable food, and pet supplies.
The collected donations were transported to the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside in Monterey Park. From there, Rotary District 5300 will work with local coordinators to distribute the items to those in need.
Reflecting on the initiative, Larkin-Reed noted that this may not be the end of the relief efforts. “The need will determine our future actions, but I am confident we will be ready to assist as needed.”
This effort demonstrates the Rotary motto: Service Above Self. Through their actions, Rotarians have shown their dedication to supporting communities in challenging times, providing both material relief and encouragement to those affected.
How You Can Help If you’d like to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts, the affective Rotary districts are asking for monetary donations. Your donation is tax-deductible and will directly impact those most devastated by this disaster. Here’s how you can donate:
The Rotary District 5280 Charitable Foundation – Pacific Palisades
Tax ID of the Charitable Foundation is 95-4597691.
- Click here to donate by credit card
- Donate by check:
- Please make your check payable to “Rotary District 5280 Charitable Foundation” and put “Wildfire Disaster Relief” in the memo line
- Mail the check to Rotary District 5280 Office at: 8055 W. Manchester Ave, Suite 460, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
The Rotary District 5300 Foundation – Altadena
Federal tax id is 95-476828.
- Donate by check:
- Please make your check payable to “Rotary District 5300 Foundation” and put “Wildfire Disaster Relief” in the memo line
- Mail the check to Rotary District 5300 Office at: 10624 S. Eastern Ave A16, Henderson, NV, 89052
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