My name is Ling Richardson, and I’m writing with a heavy heart about my cousins, Larry Holloway, Teresa O’Keefe-Holloway, and Jade O’Keefe-Mitchell. Just days ago, their lives were turned upside down when a devastating fire in Altadena reduced their home to ashes.

The fire claimed not only their house but every trace of the lives they had built within it. Cherished heirlooms, like Teresa’s great-great-grandmother’s quilt, which had been passed down through generations, were lost forever. Precious memories, including her parents’ wedding photos and all of Jade’s baby pictures, were consumed by the flames. Every piece of furniture, every article of clothing, every memento that made their house a home—all gone in an instant.

While we are profoundly grateful that Larry, Teresa, and Jade escaped unharmed, they now face the unimaginable challenge of starting over with nothing.

Right now, our focus is on helping them meet their most immediate needs: 

•  Clothing and shoes for everyday wear • 
• Toiletries, such as toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, and hygiene products • 
• Essential household items, like towels, blankets, and cookware • 
• Temporary housing assistance, so they have a safe place to stay
  

This is where your kindness can truly make a difference. A donation, no matter the size, can help provide them with the resources they need to rebuild. Whether it’s contributing financially or simply sharing their story, your support will help restore hope in the midst of this tragedy.

Your generosity will do more than meet their practical needs—it will show them they are not alone. It will remind them that even in the face of loss, a community’s compassion can be a powerful force for healing.

If you’re able, please donate and help spread the word to others who may be in a position to help. Together, we can offer them the support they need to begin rebuilding their lives.

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, kindness, and support during this heartbreaking time.