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Hello family and dear friends,
Please scroll to the bottom of my story to see an update regarding the new fundraiser goal. In just over a day, you all helped me reach the initial goal of $3,500 for supplies -- I am now expanding the fundraiser to include raising funds to be directly donated toward several community organizations, the Pasadana Waldorf School, and toward friends and PWS classmates of mine who lost their homes in this fire.
As many of you know, the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles has claimed so many places at the heart of my childhood, places which were formative in shaping me into the person I am today. The Pasadena Waldorf School (so many of you know that PWS was more than merely a school) has been completely reduced to ash, as well as the majority of Altadena, parts of Pasadena, and Sierra Madre — all places I once called home. The Eaton Canyon Nature Center and Wilderness Area, where I discovered my fierce love of insects, wildlife, and plants, has also burned to the ground. Many friends who I grew up with have lost their homes — and this is only one of five major fires that are burning in LA County. The loss of so many familiar, beloved places is simply incomprehensible.
I am embarking on a volunteer effort in which I will be purchasing and transporting goods requested by community organizations in the Altadena/Pasadena area, where the focus of my efforts will take place, a love-letter to my heart-home. I will be driving from Bainbridge Island to LA, where I will be working with a combination of organizations, including the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, the Pasadena Community Jobs Center, and wherever else I may be of service locally. I am transporting these essential supplies from the Northwest due to shortages in the surrounding Southern California area.
I am asking for the support of my PNW and family community to aid in my purchasing of supplies like N95 masks, bottled water, period products, hygienic products, and gas for transporting goods. Truly, no amount is too small.
if contributing financially is not an option for you right now, I will also be accepting gently used clothing, shoes, and any hygienic items you are able to part with (PNW area only as of now). I plan to depart by January 19th, so please let me know ASAP if you would like to arrange for a pickup of any items.
thank you to all who have reached out to express your love, care, sorrows, and solidarity, your treasured memories of PWS and other sacred places claimed by fire. Thank you for whatever part you have played in sharing a beautiful life in Los Angeles with me and my family.
if you would like more information on the organizations I’ve mentioned above, or for more information on my travels, please don’t hesitate to text or call me; you all have my number.
lastly, if you are wanting to contribute a generously-sized tax-deductible donation, I encourage you to donate directly to the following organizations:
the Pasadena Community Jobs Center
the Pasadena Humane Society
the Eaton Canyon Nature Center
the Pasadena Waldorf School
Lots of Love,
Taylor
FUNDRAISER UPDATE 01/16/2025
Every dollar over the initial benchmark will go to the purchase and transport of additional essential supplies where needed, as well as directly to community-led efforts and organizations, including, but not limited to, the following organizations and fundraisers:
The Pasadena Humane Society
The PHS is in need of monetary donations to support emergency medical treatment of both domestic and wild animals affected by the Eaton Fire
website: https://www.pasadenahumane.org
The Eaton Canyon Nature Center
website: https://www.ecnca.org
The Pasadena Waldorf School’s Recovery Fundraiser
Link to fundraiser: (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-pasadena-waldorf-school)
Two dear friends and classmates of mine from the Pasadena Waldorf School who have lost their homes are also in need and will receive additional financial assistance from this fundraiser thanks to your help:
The Boyle Family
The Lichtwardt Family
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
In Gratitude and Solidarity,
Taylor
Organizer
