Hi, my name is A.D. Vasquez, and I am reaching out on behalf of my family's long-time friend and gardener, Federico Garcia. As too many others have, Federico and his family lost everything in the Eaton Fire disaster in Altadena, California.

Federico and his family were awakened at 3:00 am early Wednesday morning and only had mere minutes to get in their vehicle and save themselves from the hillside inferno that had blown across their neighborhood by hurricane-like 90 mph winds. Not only did they lose their home and all their earthly possessions, Federico lost all of his tools and his livelihood. To make matters worse, most of his clients were in Altadena and were also devastated by the tragedy.

I am asking those of you who are able, to please consider and find it in your hearts, to donating any amount possible to help Federico and his family maneuver through the road to some kind of recovery. I also humbly ask for any in-kind donations for any extra or unused gardening/landscaping tools you can part with, as well as hand tools, to help him get back on his feet and be able to provide for his family.