Edited by Yu-Chen Pan 

On January 7, 2025, a devastating wildfire swept through Los Angeles, displacing tens of thousands and destroying homes. In response, Tzu Chi USA sprang into action, beginning emergency relief efforts on January 18. By February 18, they successfully completed the first phase of major relief distributions. Tzu Chi is now focusing on the long-term rebuilding needs of the affected residents, providing ongoing care and support. 

Volunteers comforted the disaster survivors with kind words, providing them with emotional support. | Photo: Mandy Lo | USA | Feb 2025

Swift Response to Immediate Needs 

At the final large-scale distribution event held at the Alhambra contact point, over 500 affected families came to receive gift cards. More than 100 Tzu Chi volunteers participated, bringing smiles to many faces. Cynthia, one of the recipients, shared, "We only waited about 10 minutes. Now we have money and the supplies we need. It feels good to know someone cares about us." Another recipient, Selena, said, "It's a beautiful day because I met people who gave us blessings. This moment is a blessing." 

The distribution site featured a prayer area, which became a hotspot for attendees. The walls were covered with messages of blessings from both volunteers and recipients, providing a source of comfort and stability. Tzu Chi volunteer Jian Chen noted, "I can't say everyone, but more than half of the people prayed sincerely. Some even knelt before the Buddha for ten minutes." 

A volunteer gives a red packet of blessings and wisdom to the survivor, bringing smiles to the recipient's face. | Photo: Mandy Lo | USA | Feb 2025 

Significant Impact and Community Involvement 

Since the wildfire outbreak, Tzu Chi USA has conducted eight large-scale distributions at the West Los Angeles office within just over a month. More than 3,800 families received gift cards, providing over 14,000 people with essential supplies. Yiting Zhang, another recipient, expressed, "This is my first time receiving help. It feels special. I used to help others, and if you need volunteers in the future, you can count on me." 

In a heartwarming display of gratitude, some recipients returned to give back to the community. Tony, a wildfire survivor, shared, "Last week, I came here, and everyone helped me a lot. I wanted to help others too, so I brought avocados." His four large boxes of avocados were added to the vegetable bags and shared with everyone. This act of kindness not only marked the completion of the first phase of aid but also brought blessings for the second phase of rebuilding. 
 

The prayer area at the distribution site became a hotspot, with walls covered in messages of blessings from volunteers and survivors, providing stability to many troubled hearts. | Photo: Mandy Lo | USA | Feb 2025 

Continuing the Mission of Love 

Tzu Chi USA's Director of Educational Services, Joan Lee, emphasized, "Long-term rebuilding still requires everyone's love and effort to bring sunshine and positive energy back to the community." Tzu Chi will continue to work with affected residents, focusing on community rebuilding and emotional healing, helping each family regain hope and strength. 

Volunteers noted that most people prayed respectfully before the Buddha, finding comfort and solace in prayer. | Photo: Mandy Lo | USA | Feb 2025

Tzu Chi USA has expressed its gratitude to all volunteers, donors, and partner organizations for their support enabling the successful completion of the first phase of relief efforts. Moving forward, there are plans to invest more resources to help residents rebuild their homes and bring more love and care to the community.