Hollywood icons donate essentials and rally community support for displaced families
Washington [US], January 13: Hollywood stars Halle Berry and Sharon Stone have stepped up to support families affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles. Both actors have donated essentials to The Coop, a Beverly Hills store organizing aid for displaced families.
Inspired by Sharon Stone’s initiative, Berry shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, encouraging Southern California residents to contribute.
"I’ve donated my entire closet," Berry revealed, showcasing a room filled with items such as shoes, coats, blankets, and toys for children. She praised Stone for spearheading the effort and urged others to join the cause.
Wildfire Devastation
The ongoing wildfires have left a trail of destruction in Los Angeles, with at least 16 fatalities and nearly 200,000 people displaced, according to the New York Post. Officials report the loss of approximately 10,000 structures, including entire residential neighborhoods.
- Palisades Fire: Most destructive, burning 19,978 acres
- Eaton Fire: 13,690 acres destroyed
- Kenneth Fire: 959 acres affected
- Hurst Fire: 771 acres burned
In total, 35,000 acres of land—an area about two-and-a-half times the size of Manhattan—have been devastated.
California’s Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to combating the wildfires and debunked misinformation circulating online.
"We have nearly doubled our firefighting budget and built the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet," Newsom wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He assured the public that forest management efforts had increased ten-fold under his administration and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for looting.
Call to Action
The efforts of celebrities like Halle Berry and Sharon Stone have drawn attention to the urgent need for community support during this crisis. Their contributions underscore the importance of collective action in aiding the recovery of displaced families and rebuilding affected areas.
