
Written by Jennifer Chien
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
In response to the severe wildfires that ignited in Southern California beginning on January 7, 2025, Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters and San Gabriel Valley Service Center volunteers set up a Tzu Chi Care Center at the San Gabriel Valley Service Center in El Monte. At the same time, with safety as a prerequisite, the volunteers also used the most streamlined methods to make real-time contributions, including visits to multiple shelters, deliveries of water and meals to families with power outages, as well as a donation of eco-friendly blankets and N95 face masks to a shelter that opened in Pomona to accommodate evacuated area residents.
A Donation of Blankets and Masks Provides Timely Relief
Given the scope of the wildfire disaster and aiming to accommodate more evacuees, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis set up a new shelter at the Fairplex in Pomona, a city between the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County. The Fairplex has ample space and grounds, and it is where the annual Los Angeles County Fair is held each year.


After Tzu Chi USA National Headquarters volunteers and the emergency relief team received an urgent request from Solis’ office on January 8, they delivered 120 eco-friendly blankets and more than 2,000 N95 face masks to the new shelter, which representatives of Solis’ office accepted that very evening.
The weather in Los Angeles is cold in the morning and evening at this time of year. The eco-friendly blankets donated by Tzu Chi for the shelter in Pomona and others will bring comfort and warmth to the people staying there. “The Los Angeles County government has asked us to provide comforters, blankets, and face masks,” Tzu Chi volunteer Wenli Tseng shared. “Tzu Chi’s eco-blankets have now been placed on beds in shelters, and there are two on each bed. We hope that can give some warmth to the people staying there.”

In addition, since the wildfires have caused dangerous smoke and haze, and toxic gases have risen to the sky, the air quality in Los Angeles is worrying; the N95 face masks donated by Tzu Chi will protect people when going outdoors and can be considered a timely need.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis Praises Tzu Chi USA’s Disaster Response
On January 9, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis invited Tzu Chi volunteers to visit the shelter at the Fairplex in Pomona, along with representatives from various Los Angeles County government departments and partnering civic organizations. Solis exchanged information about the disaster with Tzu Chi volunteers and watched with great interest when a volunteer used a cell phone to show her more about the emergency relief mission.


Solis pointed out that the current wildfire situation is volatile, and Los Angeles County needs to have ample shelter space ready at all times to accommodate more evacuated residents if the fires expand. She also praised Tzu Chi’s efficiency in dealing with large-scale disasters.
Thank you, Tzu Chi, for providing blankets and masks, which was a great comfort to the shelter’s residents who lost their homes.
Hilda L. Solis
Los Angeles County Supervisor
During the visit, Tzu Chi volunteers also exchanged ideas with Kelly Frankiewicz, the American Red Cross manager in charge of the shelter in Pomona, about how to continue working together to help more people.
We are here to listen, to care, to take care of those who have lost their homes or loved ones, and to help them reorient their lives. Compassionate listening and help could get them back on their feet.
Kelly Frankowitz
American Red Cross Manager

What the Fairplex in Pomona has to offer as a shelter site is of particular relief to evacuees with pets. Compared to other shelters that can’t accept them, the Fairplex can accommodate cats, dogs, rabbits, snakes, and even horses, allowing owners to be with their beloved animal friends during the evacuation. “People escape with their pets, even big animals like horses. And we have stalls at the shelter with enough room for about 150 horses,” Solis explained. As of the morning of January 9, the shelter had taken in 50 horses.

However, Solis noted that the new shelter is still short on supplies and welcomes any assistance: “We may house more residents and families here in the coming days, so more drinking water, face masks, blankets, diapers, and adequate sanitation such as hand sanitizer and plastic supplies are needed, depending on the situation. I believe the staff here can provide the public with related information. Everyone is welcome to come and help; we want those who have lost their homes to feel safe here.”
The San Gabriel Valley Service Center Is Doing Its Part
The shelter at the Fairplex in Pomona is only a 10-minute drive from Tzu Chi USA’s San Gabriel Valley Service Center. As soon as its volunteers receive requests for supplies, they can deliver them immediately.
“I’m glad that a new shelter has opened here, which is very close to our office,” Tzu Chi volunteer Wenli Tseng said. “The shelter is big enough for residents and pets to stay together. People have space for their belongings, which also helps them settle down at night. We hope to work with the Red Cross to discuss and help more survivors.”
After establishing the Tzu Chi Care Center at the San Gabriel Valley Service Center and conducting home visits to senior Tzu Chi volunteers and members to distribute care packages and provide hot meals, the San Gabriel volunteers are also ready to shelter evacuees not directly connected with Tzu Chi at the Service Center.
The San Gabriel Valley Service Center's shelter can provide partition tents and temporary tables and chairs, so that evacuees can have a better resting environment.
Wenli Tseng
Tzu Chi Volunteer
Tzu Chi USA volunteers are doing their part to help the families suffering due to the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County. At the same time, they invite you to join Tzu Chi USA’s relief effort by donating to our Help Los Angeles Heal fundraising campaign. Together, we can let them know how much we care through our love and compassion.