Staff members and volunteers from ShelterBox USA packed and delivered thermal blankets, LuminAID solar lights, and sturdy reuseable bags to support families who lost everything in the Eaton Fire.

ShelterBox USA, which has a base in Santa Barbara, sent the supplies to the Pasadena Convention Center, where up to 1,200 people have been sheltering after the fire.

People at the center told ShelterBox USA there was a great need for the lights and blankets because they could not see and were extremely cold with power out, ShelterBox USA reports.

Among those impacted by the disaster was Rene Amy, a supporter of ShelterBox USA, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire.

“I would never in a million years have expected to be a disaster victim, but now I am,” said Amy, “I now know what the worst day in one’s life can actually be like. The best thing about all this is seeing people come together and help each other.”

ShelterBox USA coordinated distributions with partner, Rotary District 5280 and its district governor in Los Angeles, Albert Hernandez.

“A lot of our members have lost their homes in the last three days,” said Hernandez at the Convention Center loading dock. “I’m here with ShelterBox USA dropping off some essential items that this evacuation center has requested. In partnership we are trying to give people a sense of normalcy and hope.” 

ShelterBox USA said it will continue to monitor the emergency and remains in close communication with Rotary leadership from Districts 5280 and 5300, and local shelters.