Schools, youth centers begin efforts to provide support

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Family in Los Angeles is working to aid people in need during the fires that are ravaging the city. To date, there are dozens of casualties, more than 150,000 displaced and billions of dollars in damages. Salesian organizations are responding with donation drives, support for families, and more, while the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has set up an Emergency Relief Fund and additional resources online.

Salesians have several schools in Los Angeles County that are responding with calls for help. The Bishop Mora Salesian High School Facebook page stated: “Our school community is devastated to learn two of our current Salesian families lost their homes as a result of the Southern California wildfires. Both families are safe, but have lost everything. Various members in their local communities have assisted the families by providing clothing and personal items. Salesian High School will be collecting monetary donations to provide both families with financial support to cover immediate needs.” St. John Bosco High School is also sharing information for how to help.

The Salesian Family Youth Center Girl Scout Troop #82563 expressed gratitude and solidarity toward the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Station 2 firefighters. The troop gathered gathered donations of energy drinks, protein shakes, snacks, water, and wipes for the firefighters protecting their community. The troop was welcomed and allowed to talk to the firefighters, ask questions, see their firefighting uniforms, get their autographs, and explore the fire truck and ambulance.

In addition, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Mary Immaculate Province, based in San Antonio, Calif., north of San Francisco, announced, “Our two communities in the Los Angeles area ― Mary Help of Christians in Bellflower and St. Thomas the Apostle in Los Angeles ― continue to be present in their respective educational communities. The sisters are taking safety precautions in the mission. At the current time, they are working with evacuation warnings still in place.”

The statement went on, “As members of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, we join Archbishop José Gomez in praying for all those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California. Our hearts are heavy as we witness the destruction that is affecting so many of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. We hold all those impacted, especially those who have lost homes, in our prayers. We also extend our gratitude to all firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to ensure further devastation is mitigated. Please keep praying for all those suffering in the wildfires sweeping through southern California. Our hearts go out to our neighbors who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May God keep all of our brothers and sisters safe and bring end to these fires.”

Salesians will continue to monitor the situation for their safety and the safety of the youth and families they serve. They will also continue to find ways to support the community in need.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – United States – Salesian Schools Move to Support Victims of Los Angeles Fires

Salesian Missions