After losing their Altadena home in the LA fires, the Fielders found refuge at the Red Cross shelter in Pasadena. Amid the devastation, the Red Cross and partners offered them safety, hot meals, comfort and care—proving that no one faces disaster alone.

When the LA fires destroyed her Pacific Palisades home, Christine, a widow and single mom, turned to the Red Cross. With financial aid, compassion and support she found hope in the aftermath—grateful to experience the same kindness she gave as a donor.

The Eaton Fire took everything from James Robinson, including his home, car and independence. With Red Cross financial aid and resources from community partners, he regained reliable transportation and support towards his recovery.

When LA fires threatened the Veteran Administration’s Tiny House Campus, veteran Jenny Millette, her daughter and service dog evacuated with 100+ others to a veteran-only shelter, where the Red Cross provided safety, care and support during the crisis.

Longtime Red Cross volunteer Margie Power found herself on the other side of disaster response when wildfire destroyed her Altadena home. Supported by the Red Cross and her community, she returned to serve others who also lost everything in the LA fires.

In May 2025, our community gathered for the 20th Annual Hometown Heroes Luncheon, honoring extraordinary individuals who saved lives—often of complete strangers. Relive the inspiring moments and be reminded of what makes our LA region special.

David Hoy has been on the front lines of fire prevention for years, installing smoke alarms and teaching people how to escape before disaster strikes. Through the Sound the Alarm program he’s helped hundreds of homes stay safe with lifesaving education.

Volunteer Ernie Montelongo delivers life-saving blood across Southern California—reaching hospitals, clinics and even Mercy Air helipads—helping ensure patients in urgent need have blood ready, whether on the ground or in the skies.

Born with sickle cell disease, Dorian Archie knows firsthand the life-saving power of blood donations. Now he advocates for sickle cell patients and urges more donors—especially in Black communities—to help save lives by donating blood.

Volunteer Jill Sperling brings comfort and connection to veterans at the West Los Angels VA with a coffee cart—proving that even a cup of coffee can show care, spark laughter and remind those who served that they’re never forgotten.

The 2025 READYteens summer program brought LA youth together for hands-on disaster training in preparedness, response and recovery. From medical response to sheltering and psychological first aid, students gained skills to strengthen community resilience.

Red Cross youth volunteer Ricky Guo spent his summer aiding LA wildfire recovery with our community partners, Hope Crisis Response Network, clearing ash and smoke damage from homes. Seeing the devastation, he found purpose in helping families rebuild.