By Betsy Robertson
It’s important for Pamela Gardner to feel safe when she’s sleeping.
Tonight, she will sleep on a cot at the American Red Cross shelter at Westwood Community Center in Los Angeles and she’s glad for it. “I love the Red Cross,” Pamela said. “I feel safe here and I get to see all the friends I’ve made.”
She’s talking about Ousman Kah, a volunteer from Atlanta and Gwendolyn O’Garro Mayers from the U.S. Virgin Islands, both volunteers currently working at the shelter. She will never forget waking up in the middle of the night needing a new blanket. Ousman helped her find one and put socks on her feet when she was too exhausted to do it on her own.
Pamela is one of hundreds of people displaced by wildfires that surrounded LA earlier this week. Her building in Brentwood is still standing, but she doesn’t want to be there right now. “My apartment is 1 block away from the evacuation zone and I don’t feel safe there. Plus, they cook better here than I do at home!” she said.
When wind-driven wildfires started encroaching on her neighborhood, Pamela decided to leave, but that’s not the only decision she had to make in those panicked moments.
“What’s important to bring?” she wondered.
The one thing she knew she couldn’t replace was this framed commendation from the Los Angeles Police Department on July 25, 1985. Presented in thanks for helping to capture a suspect who had eluded the police for months. That man broke into her home in the middle of the night, but with courage and presence of mind, Pamela fought back, and he was apprehended.
That experience is the root of why feeling safe at night is so important for Pamela. Surrounded by Red Cross volunteers, she found that sense of security in an otherwise difficult situation.
She calls these helpers “the most loving, big-hearted people I’ve met for a long time.”
This Red Cross shelter will be open as long as people like Pamela need it, to make sure no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone.
Families are depending on the Red Cross for assistance now, and we need your support. Please help people affected by the 2025 California Wildfires by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
Pamela Gardner with her framed commendation from the LAPD.
Pamela Gardner with volunteers Ousman Kah and Gwendolyn O’Garro Mayers.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!