By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-01-17 22:16:09 | Updated at 2025-01-18 00:54:28
2 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // Catholic communities, neighborhoods, and churches are working to gather and distribute donations to those affected by the ongoing Southern California fires, according to recent reports.
Pasadena resident Antonio Huerta, the coordinator of the charismatic prayer group at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Altadena, is using his home as an emergency distribution center after learning his parish remains in an evacuation zone due to the Eaton Fire, according to Angelus News.
Huerta and his wife converted their residence into an emergency distribution center Jan. 9 and has since received an influx of donations from fellow parishioners.
The home distribution center offers clothing, shoes, food and various personal hygiene items to aid fire victims who have lost their homes, Angelus News reported. Because the Huertas’ operation promptly received an overwhelming supply of donations, they announced Jan. 12 they were temporarily declining further donations.
“We’re people of faith, and as part of our prayer group, we’re always praying for the needs of others,” said Huerta, according to Angelus News. “I think the Lord used us in this moment, because neither I nor my wife planned any of this. We just responded to the circumstances, the needs of the moment.”
St. Andrew Catholic Church and School in Pasadena has helped lead similar neighborhood organizations aiding those affected by the ongoing fires, according to local news outlet Pasadena Now.
As of Jan. 8, the school was serving as a relief center where small businesses and volunteers prepared meals and donated items such as clothing and personal hygiene products. Similar to the Huertas, the school has since received many donations and is only accepting non-perishable foods to avoid waste, Pasadena Now reported.
“The generosity is amazing,” St. Andrew Principal Jay Kim told Pasadena Now. “It’s just been a true blessing.”
As CatholicVote previously reported, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has outlined various ways individuals can aid those most severely hit by the fires, and Archbishop José H. Gomez has urged continuous prayers for the victims of the fires and the officials working to contain the fires.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has also developed a donation portal to assist neighborhoods, schools, and parishes greatly impacted by the continued fires.
>>Los Angeles Catholic churches open doors to families fleeing fires<<
