Amid the devastation caused by the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires sweeping across the Los Angeles area, BAPS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, has mobilized to provide essential relief and support to thousands of displaced families. Partnering with local authorities, emergency responders, and mutual aid organizations, BAPS Charities has been at the forefront of delivering aid to the hardest-hit communities.
Leading the volunteer efforts are Yogin and Hetal Patel, evacuees from Pasadena. Despite their own displacement, they have focused their efforts on supporting others. Yogin Patel expressed, “Having experienced the overwhelming feeling of leaving everything behind, we wanted to give back. Volunteering with BAPS Charities has helped us turn our personal challenges into positive action for others.” Hetal Patel added that being part of the relief efforts strengthens her and provides hope for rebuilding their community.
In response to the fires, BAPS Charities launched its #SOCALSTRONG campaign within 24 hours, sending teams of volunteers to gather and distribute vital supplies to evacuation centers, shelters, and first responders. To further amplify their efforts, BAPS Charities held a “Wildfire Donation & Volunteer Drive” at its headquarters in Chino Hills on January 11, 2025. Thousands of high-priority items were collected and delivered to 15 shelters and resource hubs in the Los Angeles and Pasadena/Altadena areas.
The organization’s relief efforts cover multiple sites, including the Pasadena Convention Center, West Angeles Church, Tarzana Fire Station, and others. Yogin Patel emphasized the long road to recovery, stating, “Standing together as a community makes the process possible.”
BAPS Charities continues to encourage the community to support their relief initiatives through donations or volunteering, contributing directly to wildfire recovery and support for first responders. For more information or to donate, visit the BAPS Charities website.
BAPS Charities is dedicated to promoting selfless service in areas like health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental protection, and community empowerment.
