Los Angeles Standing in a line that wound down an East Hollywood residential street, Vincent Bugarin had a lot on his mind.
When Altadena was devastated by the Eaton Fire, his family had lost everything. In addition to a pickup truck, bicycles, and sports shirts his father had left him after his death in 2022, the fire destroyed their house.
“A lot of people tell me it’s just material things,” said 19-year-old Bugarin, who is currently residing in Glendale with family. But, he added, it’s actually your heart. It is difficult to absorb.
But Wednesday was a different story. That day, Bugarin was among about 200 people who came to Altadena Teen Boys Fire Recovery, a six-day fundraising event that served as a destination for boys and their families who had been displaced by the Eaton Fire in downtown Los Angeles.
After going through the lobby’s red velvet drapes, he entered and joined other young guys and their families as they strolled past stacks of donated sunglasses, hoodies, and shoes—many of which were still in their shrink wrap. The bar was stocked with full-size face wash, shampoo, and shaving products.
Large TVs broadcast football games outside, while tables were laden with toys, board games, comic books, and brand-new basketballs and footballs. A station where volunteers set up personalized skateboards given by the streetwear company Golf Wang was the focal point for many shoppers.