Support Urgent LA Wildfire Relief Efforts

All Hands and HeartsCalifornia Programs & Partnerships Report

Reporting Period: December 2025 – January 2026
Focus Areas: Wildfire Recovery, Community Partnerships, Volunteer Engagement

1. Overview

All Hands and Hearts (AH&H) continues to deepen its presence across California through strategic partnerships, volunteer engagement, and long-term recovery support for wildfire-impacted communities. Recent activities highlight a balance of immediate relief, community connection, and forward-looking recovery planning in both Northern and Southern California

la wildfires

2. Key Partnerships & Programs2.1 24LA – Wildfire Recovery & Community Support (Los Angeles County)

AH&H supported 24LA’s Holiday Toy Drive & Winter Giveaway on December 7 in Culver City, serving families affected by wildfires and economic hardship across Los Angeles County.

AH&H Role

• Community outreach and volunteer activation
• Connection to Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRGs) and local NGOs
• Collaboration with World Central Kitchen
• Alumni engagement in the LA area

Impact

• Over 500 wildfire-affected families registered and served
• Distribution of Christmas trees, toys, food, and holiday supplies
• Strengthened long-term partnership positioning in LA County

Event Highlights

• Holiday crafts, family portraits, music, and meals
• Meals provided by World Central Kitchen
• Community volunteers, including youth athletes supporting logistics

Notable Outcomes

• Many families receiving assistance later returned as volunteers
• Continued emotional and mental health support through 24LA’s warehouse model

2.2 Eat. Learn. Play. – Christmas with the Currys Book Fairs (Oakland)

AH&H partnered with Eat. Learn. Play. (ELP) during their Christmas with the Currys Book Fairs (Dec 1–19), supporting literacy and joyful learning for Oakland students.

Scope

• Reached 18,000+ students across 49 Oakland public schools
• Served 670 students in one day at Lincoln Elementary alone

Why This Matters

• Strengthens AH&H’s visibility and credibility in the Bay Area
• Aligns AH&H with one of the region’s most trusted community foundations
• Opens pathways for future collaboration beyond event-based support

Volunteer Engagement

• Strong alumni participation, including returning AH&H volunteers
• Continued need identified for future volunteer shifts

3. Volunteer & Alumni Engagement

• Alumni volunteers played a key role in both LA and Bay Area activities
• Alumni engagement strengthened community trust and continuity
• Volunteer experiences reinforced AH&H’s mission through direct connection with impacted families and students

4. California VOAD Membership

AH&H is now actively engaged in California VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).

Benefits

• Statewide coordination during disaster response and recovery
• Access to Response and Long-Term Recovery Committees
• Faster collaboration with county agencies and NGO partners
• Stronger positioning for joint grants and shared resources

AH&H has also been featured on the CA VOAD website, increasing organizational visibility

la wildfires

5. Community Impact & Stories

Personal stories continue to underscore the importance of long-term recovery:

• A wildfire survivor described loss as “not losing your home, but losing your place of safety”
• Families expressed renewed hope through simple moments such as receiving a Christmas tree or choosing a first new holiday ornament
• Mental health and emotional recovery remain critical nearly a year after the fires

6. Pipeline & Upcoming Initiatives

Odyssey Charter School (Altadena)

• Planned May 2026 beautification project
• 2.5-day corporate engagement opportunity
• Ongoing coordination following Eaton Fire impacts

Youth & Community Projects

• Exploration of teen-centered workshops with Boys & Girls Club Pasadena
• Potential mural and creative projects at local community centers

24LA Ongoing Programming

• Free Shop operations continue through early 2026
• Art classes, vision board workshops, and community events scheduled
• MOU concludes in January, with partnership continuing beyond formal agreement

7. Strategic Takeaways

• AH&H is well-positioned as a trusted, long-term recovery partner in California
• Community-centered events strengthen both immediate relief and long-term resilience
• Alumni engagement and VOAD participation amplify impact and coordination
• Mental health and community healing remain critical components of recovery