My name is Elizabeth Geary. I live in Chicago, Illinois. My brother, Jon, and his family relocated to the Pacific Palisades a few years ago from Illinois. Last Tuesday morning, like many, they found themselves in their car with only a suitcase and their dog running from the fire sweeping into their community. The above photo was their street at about 11:30 am on Tuesday as they evacuated. They were renting their home trying to establish themselves. My 8th grade niece was looking forward to starting high school at Pacific Palisades High School in the fall.

Clearly, those plans have changed.

I am so thankful that they are safe, but the financial impact of this fire is devastating. I am desperate to try to ease the financial strain that goes hand in hand with the uncertainty and anxiety associated with their displacement. They need money for clothes, toiletries, and housing.

I am providing as much assistance as I can, but I am going to fall short. I hope some additional financial support will give them some “room to breathe” so the negative impact of this crisis will be lessened.

My heart breaks for all of these fire victims. I am desperately worried about my brother’s family. They are good kind people. Knowing them, they won’t take from the Red Cross as they will want those resources to go to those in the greatest need.

Please help them get back on their feet!!!