Source: The Washington Post / Getty
Members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are coming together to aid those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. According to Watch The Yard, on Jan. 11, the sorority hosted a relief event at Zion Hill Baptist Church, mobilizing support for wildfire victims. The Farwest Region, which includes over 97 chapters spanning Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Japan, Korea, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, organized the event to deliver immediate assistance to those in need.
The relief effort, which ran from noon to 4 p.m., saw a strong turnout of sorority members, local volunteers, as well as members of other Divine Nine organizations, all working together to provide essential support. Attendees received free meals, vital supplies such as clothing and hygiene items, and access to emergency funds to help with pressing personal expenses.
In addition to the in-person event, the Farwest Region is also accepting online donations to further aid wildfire victims. The funds will be directed toward emergency housing for displaced individuals, as well as providing food, clothing, and medical supplies to help those struggling in the aftermath of the disaster.
“This is just the beginning of our commitment to helping those impacted rebuild and recover for the long term,” Kimberly M. Usher, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Farwest regional director, told Watch The Yard during a recent interview.
Radiya Ajibade, a regional representative, highlighted that the sorority’s community relief initiatives align with the 112th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta, marking more than a century of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. For Ajibade, Saturday’s event was a powerful reflection of the organization’s enduring legacy and history.
“Sisterhood is truly at the core of what we do,” she added.
The powerful wildfires that erupted on Jan. 7, fueled by 100 mph Santa Ana winds, remain largely uncontrolled. Firefighters are focused on containing the largest blazes, including the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, which are 68% and 91% contained as of Jan. 22, according to CAL FIRE. The Lilac and Clay Fires in San Diego and Riverside counties are 50% and 40% contained, respectively. Tragically, the wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 28 people, scorched over 40,000 acres, and destroyed more than 15,000 structures.
Thousands of Black community members have been severely impacted by the recent wildfires, with many losing their homes in the historic Black neighborhoods of Altadena and Pasadena. To aid in the recovery, several GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support victims as they begin to rebuild their lives.
One notable campaign titled, “LA Fires: The Impacted Black Community Urgently Needs Help!,” is spearheaded by two of California’s largest African American law firms, The Cochran Firm and Ivie McNeil Wyatt Purcell and Diggs, in collaboration with The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons State of California Inc., and community advocate Jasmyne Cannick. This trusted, official GoFundMe campaign ensures that 100% of the donations will go directly to those affected in Altadena and surrounding areas in Pasadena. The funds will provide critical, immediate support to help survivors recover and begin rebuilding their homes and lives.
While some progress has been made to contain the fires, Los Angeles is not out of the clear yet. California officials are concerned that firefighting efforts could be delayed as Santa Ana winds are expected to intensify through Thursday, CNN reported. Over 10 million people in Southern California are under red flag warnings due to the combination of gusty winds and persistently dry conditions. While the National Weather Service’s “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warnings for parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties expired on Tuesday, red flag warnings will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. Winds of 30 to 50 mph are expected, with isolated gusts reaching up to 65 mph.
SEE ALSO:
The Black History Of Altadena And Pasadena
Famous Black People Who Lost Their Homes To The Wildfires In California
The Farwest Region Of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Organize Relief Efforts For Los Angeles Wildfire Victims
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