As the Palisades, Eaton, and other wildfires continue to wreak havoc on communities throughout the Los Angeles region, the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, through its charitable organization BAPS Charities, has taken significant steps to provide essential relief and recovery assistance to thousands of families who have been displaced. In partnership with local authorities, emergency response teams, and mutual aid organizations, BAPS Charities is committed to ensuring that aid effectively reaches those in need. Among the passionate volunteers spearheading these efforts are Yogin Patel and his wife, Hetal Patel, who themselves are evacuees from Pasadena. Despite their own displacement due to the fires, they have devoted their efforts to assisting others in distress. “We understand how overwhelming it is to leave everything behind,” Yogin Patel remarked. “That’s why we felt compelled to give back. Volunteering with BAPS and BAPS Charities has enabled us to transform our personal struggles into a means of supporting others.” Hetal Patel added, “Even in the face of uncertainty, being part of something larger provides us with strength. Each supply delivered and every individual assisted brings us closer to rebuilding our community.
“In response to the fires, BAPS Charities swiftly initiated its #SOCALSTRONG relief efforts within 24 hours, mobilizing teams of volunteers to gather and distribute vital supplies to resource hubs, evacuation centers, and first responders. Donations were coordinated across 15 locations in the Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Altadena areas. These donation sites included It’s Bigger Than Us, Pasadena Convention Center, Nativo, The Good Karma Los Angeles, Dena Donation Center, Inner City Struggle, Los Angeles City Council Distribution Center, NoRes Gourmet, Holy Assembly Church, West Angeles Church, Tarzana Fire Station, Snoop Dogg’s Snoopy Clothing Store Distribution Center, Los Angeles County Altadena Drive, Friendship Church, Altadena Girls, East Valley YMCA, and Westchester Los Angeles City Council Distribution Center. “The journey to recovery will be lengthy, but our unity as a community makes it achievable,” stated Y.