Cal State LA Rallies too Support Students Impacted by Devastating Wildfires
The recent wildfires that swept through Southern California have left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread damage. Among those affected are students at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), where the impact of the fires has been deeply felt. In response, the university has launched a comprehensive “Wildfire Recovery Drive” to provide essential support to its campus community members who have lost their homes and belongings.
“We’re looking for food items that students, faculty, and staff can hopefully keep and use over a prolonged period of time,” said Frangelo Ayran, senior associate dean with the Office of the Dean of Students. This drive, organized by the Office of the Dean of Students in collaboration with various campus partners, aims to collect non-perishable food, hygiene products, and household essentials to help those affected rebuild their lives.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that 39 Cal State LA students have already reported losing their homes to the wildfires when applying for assistance through the Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund. ayran anticipates this number could rise in the coming weeks.
“If you’ve lost your home, contacting your school might not be necessarily the first thing you do,” Ayran explained. “There could be a leveling off for applications, but you never know where students might be. If you lost your home that could include your laptop and your phone, and you can’t even apply for programs like ours.”
This highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by students who have lost their homes. Beyond the immediate need for shelter and basic necessities, they also face the daunting task of replacing essential items like laptops and phones, which are crucial for academic success and communication.
The Wildfire Recovery Drive offers a lifeline to these students, providing them with much-needed support during a tough time.
What You Can Do to Help:
Cal State LA has set up six convenient drop-off locations across campus where individuals can contribute to the relief effort. These locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Friday, February 14th.
Here’s a list of the most needed items:
Non-perishable food: Rice, pasta, beans, protein bars, fruit snacks, canned food, and bottled water.
hygiene products: Shampoo, soap and bodywash, toothpaste, feminine products, and deodorant.
Household essentials: New or gently used blankets, pillows, towels, and kitchenware.
Beyond Material Donations:
While material donations are crucial,there are other ways to support Cal State LA students affected by the wildfires:
Financial contributions: The Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund provides financial assistance to students who have lost their homes. You can donate online at https://www.calstatela.edu/studentservices/golden-eagle-la-fires-recovery-fund.
Volunteer your time: Contact the office of the Dean of Students to inquire about volunteer opportunities to assist with the recovery efforts.
Spread awareness: Share information about the Wildfire Recovery Drive and the Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund on social media and with your network.The wildfires have left a lasting impact on the Cal State LA community, but the outpouring of support from the university and the wider community offers a beacon of hope. By working together, we can help these students rebuild their lives and overcome this devastating challenge.
Cal State LA Rallies to Support Students After Devastating Wildfires: An Interview
Time News Editor: Thank you for joining us today, [Name], future expert in higher education support services. The recent wildfires have had a profound impact on communities across Southern California, including cal State LA students.How have they been affected, and what steps is the university taking to help?
[Name]: Absolutely. These wildfires have been devastating,leaving many students displaced and without essential belongings. 39 Cal State LA students have already reported losing their homes,and we expect that number to rise as students assess their situations.
Time News Editor: That’s alarming. What kind of support is Cal State LA providing to these students?
[Name]: The university has launched a thorough “Wildfire Recovery Drive” to collect donations of non-perishable food, hygiene products, and household essentials. These items will provide immediate relief to students in need.
Time News Editor: Those are crucial practical needs. Are there other ways the university is helping?
[Name]: Definitely. The Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund provides financial assistance to students who have lost their homes. Addressing the unique challenges faced by students who’ve lost laptops and phones - essential for their academic success – is also a priority.
Time News Editor: The piece highlights the challenges for students with the psychological impact and the difficulty of even accessing support services when they’ve lost their means of dialog. How can readers help?
[Name]: There are many ways! Readers can contribute to the Wildfire Recovery Drive by donating items like rice, pasta, canned food, toiletries, and blankets. Financial donations to the Golden Eagle LA Fires Recovery Fund are also crucial. Spreading awareness about the drive and the fund on social media can help reach more people who want to contribute.Volunteering time to assist with the recovery efforts is another impactful way to help.
Time news Editor: This highlights the importance of community support during times of crisis. What lessons can we learn from Cal State LA’s response to this situation?
[Name]: This situation underscores the importance of preparedness and compassion. Universities like Cal state LA play a vital role in supporting their students in challenging times. By working together, institutions can provide essential aid and resources to help students recover and rebuild their lives. It’s a reminder to all of us to be proactive in understanding and addressing the needs of our communities.