Georgia Red Cross volunteer joins LA wildfire relief efforts amidst destruction
For days, the world has watched Los Angeles burn.
Its suburbs have been reduced to scorched remains by the deadly wildfires in Southern California that have since claimed at least 24 lives and left thousands of others displaced.
Los Angeles wildfires
What we know:
Southern California is currently grappling with devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles suburbs, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and displacing thousands.
Firefighters are tirelessly working to contain the blazes, with the Eaton fire reported to be 45% contained and the larger Palisades fire at 19% containment.
In response to the crisis, American Red Cross volunteers, including Jody Hall from Georgia, have mobilized to support relief efforts in the affected areas.
Georgia Red Cross volunteer in Los Angeles
Local perspective:
Jody Hall, a native of Monroe, has been on the ground in Los Angeles, working 12-hour shifts in shelters that are housing hundreds of displaced residents.
Her recent assignment was at the Pasadena shelter, where many victims of the Eaton wildfire have sought refuge.
Hall describes the experience as humbling, noting the resilience of LA residents despite their significant losses.
"You walk through the shelters, and you see so many people there it really does kind of hurt your heart," she shared with FOX 5.
Jody Hall shares why she volunteered
What they're saying:
Hall expressed her motivation for volunteering, saying, "I just would hope that if that happened to me, that people would be there to help me, so I just want to be the person who helps others."
She also highlighted the importance of her role in the relief efforts: "It’s our job to get in touch with the shelter manager each day…find out what they need, figure out whether we have those supplies in the warehouse—and if we don’t, we go out and shop."
When will her Los Angeles tour end?
What's next:
Jody Hall plans to continue her volunteer work in California until at least Jan. 24.
Her commitment comes in the wake of a winter storm in Georgia that caused widespread flight cancelations and delays, underscoring the challenges faced by volunteers traveling to assist in disaster-stricken areas.
As containment efforts progress, the focus remains on providing support and resources to those affected by the wildfires.
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Joi Dukes. This story is being reported out of Atlanta.