Hollywood Celebrities Step Up to Help Wildfire Victims in Los Angeles

Hollywood Celebrities Step Up to Help Wildfire Victims in Los Angeles

Los Angeles: After a devastating wildfire this week destroyed parts of Los Angeles, real estate agent Jenna Cooper asked her friends for clothing and other essentials to help those in need. Her call quickly gained traction within a network of powerful women.

Celebrities, including Sharon Stone and Halle Berry, donated items from their personal collections such as sweaters, shoes, clothing, handbags, belts, pajamas, and more.

Berry wrote on Instagram, "I’m packing up my entire closet. If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same. This is something we can do right now."

Cooper, who also runs a home goods store called +COOP, cleared half the space to create a pop-up shopping experience where people affected by the fire could take what they needed.

Many people lost their homes in the fires, which were still burning on Friday. Sharon Stone shared information about the donations on social media, helping to raise public awareness. She and her sister Kelly Stone donated clothing, bedding, and other items, with Kelly also volunteering to assist shoppers.

"The first thing they need when they come in the store is a hug," said Kelly Stone. She then told shoppers, "Show me pictures of yourself, how do you dress?" so she could direct them to sweaters or trench coats that matched their style.

Inside the store, a therapy dog named "Jackie Robinson" greeted people at the door. The shelves were filled with clothing racks, denim piles, shoes, and baskets of handbags.

Cooper said she received support from powerful figures across Los Angeles, including actors, businesspeople, lawyers, restaurant owners, and parents. Her network of real estate agents in New York sent gift cards as well.

A Hollywood stylist arrived with two large bags filled with items from her closet and helped organize the store for weekend shoppers.

"I know people who have lost everything, and even for people I don’t know, I’m devastated," said Lisa Cera, who has worked for celebrities such as the Kardashians and Lenny Kravitz. "I decided I’m just going to bring whatever I can."

Ellen Bennett was selecting items for her 72-year-old mother, who lost her home in the Eaton fire. Bennett said she picked "the basics," including socks, sweaters, pants, a jacket, and a pair of running shoes.

Cooper said she helped a man find a pair of sneakers so he could run on the beach, something he hadn’t done since the fires broke out.

"This is a city of love, and everybody wants to support each other," Cooper said.