CHINO HILLS (California): As the Palisades, Eaton and other fires continue to devastate communities across the Los Angeles area, the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir through its charitable arm BAPS Charities, stepped forward to provide critical relief and recovery support to thousands of displaced families. In collaboration with local authorities, emergency response teams, and mutual aid organizations, BAPS Charities has been working to ensure that aid reaches the affected.
Among the dedicated volunteers leading the charge are Yogin Patel and his wife, Hetal Patel - evacuees from Pasadena themselves. Despite being displaced by the fires, they have channeled their energy into helping others in need.
“We know firsthand how overwhelming it feels to leave everything behind,” said Yogin Patel. “That’s why we wanted to give back. Volunteering with BAPS and BAPS Charities has allowed us to turn our personal challenge into a way to support others.”
Hetal Patel shared, “Even though we are facing uncertainty, it gives us strength to be part of something bigger. Every supply delivered, every person helped, is a step closer to rebuilding our community.”
Since the fires erupted, within 24 hours BAPS Charities launched its #SOCALSTRONG relief efforts and deployed teams of volunteers to procure and deploy essential supplies to resource hubs, evacuation centers, and first responders. Donations were made across 15 sites in the Los Angeles, Pasadena and Altadena area. Donation sites include: It’s Bigger Than Us, Pasadena Convention Center, Nativo, The Good Karma Los Angeles, Dena Donation Center, Inner City Struggle, Los Angeles City Council Distribution Center, NoRes Gourmet, Holy Assembly Church, West Angeles Church, Tarzana Fire Station, Snoop Dogg’s Snoopy Clothing Store Distribution Center, Los Angeles County Altadena Drive, Friendship Church, Altadena Girls, East Valley YMCA, Westchester Los Angeles City Council Distribution Center.
“The road to recovery will be long, but standing together as a community makes it possible,” said Yogin Patel.
BAPS Charities urges the community to join the relief efforts by donating or volunteering. Contributions will directly support the purchase of critical supplies and long-term recovery efforts for wildfire victims and first responders.
