People gather to give and receive donations in Pasadena

Sam Johnson has been sleeping in his minivan for the past two days since the Eaton fire broke out in Altadena and he was forced to leave home Wednesday morning. He has a lung problem and the heavy smoke woke him up.

“I took off running with nothing, and now my house is gone, completely gone,” said the 76-year-old man while collecting water from a donation location in Pasadena on Friday.

Johnson said he has been living in his house, which was located near Pasadena High School, for the past 25 years. Now, he has nothing and not enough strength to start from zero.

He said he could not take anything with him and hoped to find a new place to stay soon because sleeping in his van with his knee problem is very uncomfortable.

“A friend is trying to help me get a place near the senior center in Pasadena,” he said, admitting he has no family nearby. “I’ll see if I can get Section 8 or something to help me move on.”

While he is devastated for what happened to him he said he accepts what “God wants” for him and all the affected victims.

Gil Muñoz was another resident from Altadena who was forced out of his home Wednesday morning. He said the night before he had lost electricity, but he never imagined the fire would get close to his house. However, at around 5 a.m., the police warned him to get out. He thought the fire was still far away but then realized the fire trucks were literally in his neighborhood, with the loud horn warning people to evacuate. 

“I thought it was nighttime but the smoke blocked out the light. I couldn’t walk anywhere because I’m an amputee, so I called my sister and all I could do was sit and wait,” he said.

He didn’t take any clothes because he was doing laundry. When his sister Teresa Bennett arrived she found him bleeding because, in his desperation, he fell on his good leg and got hurt. 

While the house is still standing, they haven’t been able to return because of the heavy smoke and the fires that occurred very close by. They heard about the donation location and arrived to get some essential items and clothes. 

Both of them were extremely grateful for the support being offered by strangers. They were carrying a few bags and said they didn’t want to take much because they knew there were people in more need.

Jose Ramos was sorting clothes, looking for some sweaters. He said he was forced to evacuate and while his house is still standing, his sister’s home in Altadena was completely burned.

“I have been able to get some stuff but there is no electricity, no water, and a lot of smoke,” he said. “I live on the border of Pasadena/Altadena.” 

Non-stop help

Dozens of volunteers gathered in Pasadena to help distribute clothes, shoes, food, drinks and other essential items for people displaced by the Eaton fire in Altadena. The unofficial location started at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena but eventually moved to about a mile away in a parking lot. 

One of the volunteers was Valerie Gudino, who learned about the need for volunteers through social media. She and her brother drove from Whittier to help for the day. She said she is glad she can help in some way during a tragic moment for many people. 

“I like to give back because you never know, I could be in the same situation,” she said. 

People interested in volunteering or donating items can visit 100 W. Walnut in Pasadena.