Hey Love,

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, it surprises us with joy and beauty. Other times, it challenges us in ways we never imagined. The wildfires across Los Angeles have devastated so many lives, displacing families, destroying homes, and leaving us with heavy hearts. But even in these moments, we’re reminded that the greatest strength of humanity is not in what happens to us, but in how we rise together. To the brave firefighters, first responders, and every community that has stepped up to help, your courage and compassion inspire us all to keep going and keep giving.

For this edition of the Kwanza Jones Chronicles, I felt empowered to approach it differently by sharing what I call a love letter.

It begins with a story; an experience that has and will continue to inspire how I approach moments like this.

When I had to evacuate because of the fires, I didn’t have much time to think about myself. I packed a few essentials, hoping things wouldn’t turn out as bad as they did. I only had the clothes and boots on me. Later, I found myself in a store, needing some extra clothes. Guess what… They had a sale! The sale was, if you buy X amount in clothing purchases, you get $100 off. But if you buy Y amount, you get $50 off.

I may have been looking a little distressed because the person at the checkout asked how my day was going and if I was affected by the fires. I told her the truth. I had been evacuated multiple times and was trying to wrap my head around it all. Do you know what the cashier did? She decided to check my items out in two batches to give me multiple discounts instead of one.

It may feel insignificant, but literally, in the store, at that moment, I had tears falling down my face. This was someone who took it upon themselves to say, I can feel and be empowered to do something that is going to make a huge difference. She didn’t know who I was. She didn’t know my financial background. But she took it upon herself to make me feel seen and cared for in a time that was really, really, challenging and remains to be so.

Be That Cashier

You never know the weight someone is carrying, but your actions can make them feel seen, cared for, and valued. Every act of kindness, every word of comfort, it all adds up. It all makes a difference. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, being of service, and not overthinking the action. I shared more about this in a short video. Watch it for a boost of inspiration.

Recovery and rebuilding will take time. We need to be ready and willing to provide support for as long as it takes. We also need to do what we can now as we think of ways to move forward. Because taking action matters, I’ve gathered some resources that may be useful to you or other LA residents impacted by wildfires:

• The LA County Emergency website has comprehensive information about the regional response, including temporary housing, transportation resources, and health alerts.
• Good Inside has a great resource for parents navigating the California wildfires.
• World Central Kitchen, an organization José and I have supported in the past, is distributing free hot meals to the public at specific locations in Southern California.
• L.A. Times has a running list of restaurants offering food and relief to fire evacuees and first responders. Some of them are free and others are offering discounts.
• Time Out L.A. also has a list of L.A. restaurants offering free meals to any fire evacuees.
• The team at Mutual Aid L.A. launched their own spreadsheet tracking organizations, the kind of help they offer, and the kind of assistance they need.

For Donations

• LAFD Foundation Emergency Wildfire Funds  
• California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund
• World Central Kitchen
• ASPCA  

For Volunteer Opportunities

• Project Angel Food: Help needed to fill delivery routes and kitchen shifts. Donations are also urgently needed.
• L.A. Works: They provide an updated list of wildfire relief volunteer opportunities, including food distribution, supply collection, and other ways to assist those affected.

Mental Health Resources

This is an emotional time, and support is crucial. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Red Cross  offers free 24/7 counseling. Additionally, the team at Mutual Aid L.A. has a list of organizations meeting so many needs, from food to workspaces.

Let’s Build Better Together

In moments like these, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But remember, you’re not alone. Compassion and community are what help us rise, rebuild, and create a future filled with hope.

José and I are committed to building, and rebuilding over the long term through a lens of empowerment and equity. Recovery isn’t just about restoring what was lost; it’s about creating something stronger and more sustainable.

To anyone affected, I see you, and I’m with you. To everyone reading this, let’s be that cashier. Let’s offer love, kindness, and a helping hand wherever we can. Together, we can build better.

If you’re a member of the Kwanza Jones Boost Friends™ Community, sign in here and connect with boost friends who will support and remind you that you’re not alone.

Who loves you? I do!

Bye for now,

---

Upcoming: Rebuilding after a disaster is never easy, but it’s possible when we come together. It’s not about waiting for someone else to lead, it’s about stepping up in your own way. Stay tuned for the next Kwanza Jones Chronicles as we discuss the power of intentional choices and how it empowers you to create possibilities.