Los Al Interact Joins To Help Fire Affected
In the heart of our community, a remarkable story of compassion and cooperation unfolded as volunteers from across the Los Alamitos Unified School District rallied for a cause that touched hearts far beyond our city’s borders. The Palisades & Eaton Wildfire Relief event, orchestrated by the tireless efforts of Los Alamitos High School’s own Brandon Hart, became a beacon of hope amid despair.
Brandon Hart, who teaches world history and AP Macroeconomics at Los Alamitos High School, was driven by a personal connection to spearhead this initiative. After learning about the devastating impact of the wildfires on the California School for the Arts-San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) in Duarte, where dozens of families faced the loss of their homes, Hart knew action was needed. These fires left a significant mark on the CSArts-SGV community, with nearly half of its students affected—68 of whom lost their homes entirely.
The event saw an inspiring turnout, with at least 75 students—from elementary to high school levels—joining hands with LAHS students, staff, parents, Griffin alumni, district staff, and over 50 community members, including five of our brave military personnel. The collective effort was nothing short of a testament to the spirit of service above self, a foundational principle of Rotary International.
Elizabeth Ton, Vice President of Development at CSArts-SGV and a childhood friend of Hart, shared the harrowing realities faced by the families and staff in Altadena, many of whom suffered serious damages to their homes. This personal connection between Ton and Hart, both Griffin alumni and members of the class of 1995, underscores the deep ties that bind our community and drive our commitment to aid those in need.
The generosity displayed at the Los Alamitos Relief event was overwhelming. Donations poured in, destined to provide direct relief to the CSArts families most affected by the disaster. Hart assured that the affected families would receive “whatever they want” from the donations, with surplus items supporting local YMCAs serving as displaced person centers.
This event was not just a collection drive; it was a vivid illustration of the Rotary’s Four-Way Test in action. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Each yes echoed through the efforts of the many volunteers and the gratitude of those who benefitted from the relief efforts.
This is why the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress & Seal Beach supported this relief event and our Los Al Interactors by covering the $800 rental and fuel costs of the four 26-foot U-Haul trucks used to transport the donations collected from Los Al to the California School of the Arts SGV on Monday, 1/13.
A huge “Thank You” to our Interact Club, Brandon Hart, and the Los Al School District community for coming out and showing up for this tremendous show of heart and love for the CSArts families most affected by the January LA Wildfires.
