Help Eleanor After Unexpected Challenge

My name is Aryn Terry and I am representing my senior cousin, Eleanor Whittington who was recently displaced in Altadena, CA. Any raised funds will be distributed to Madelyn Manning (beneficiary + daughter of Eleanor Whittington, 90).

Around 12:30 a.m. on January 8, 2025, Eleanor was woken by a loud knock at her door with neighbors shouting, “Get out now!” Wildfires had reached her senior apartment building, and evacuation orders were issued. Eleanor packed a small bag with pajamas, toiletries, and her medications, thinking she’d only be away overnight.

Tragically, we’ve learned her home at the Altadena Vistas Apartments has been severely damaged. On January 9, a fire broke out in the unit above hers, and though firefighters were able to extinguish it, the water damage to Eleanor’s unit below destroyed nearly all of her belongings—her cherished family photos, furniture, elegant hats, and her Sunday Best outfits.

Born during the Great Depression in Carthage, Mississippi, Eleanor is no stranger to loss. But as she says, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” At nearly 90 years old (she’ll celebrate her birthday on February 5, 2025), Eleanor is facing a heartbreaking loss of everything she’s built.

Eleanor is a pillar of her community. Known as “the mother of the church” at Pasadena Church, she serves as Director of the Seniors Ministry, encouraging others with her wisdom, love, and her famous sweet potato pies. She’s someone who prays daily for her family, friends, and neighbors—and she takes pride in always leaving home “looking good.”

Now, Eleanor needs our help. She has lost everything and urgently needs clothes, shoes, toiletries, food, gift cards, and essentials for her daily needs.

Any donation, no matter the size, will be a blessing to Eleanor and help her regain her footing after this devastating fire. Your love, prayers, and support mean the world to her during this difficult time.

Thank you for helping us show Eleanor that her community is here for her, just as she has always been here for others.