Members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are channeling their collective strength to support victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

Per Watch The Yard, on Jan. 11, the organization, comprising over 97 chapters across Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Japan, Korea, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, hosted a relief event at Zion Hill Baptist Church. The initiative aimed to provide immediate aid and resources to those impacted by the disaster.

From noon to 4 p.m., the event brought together sorority members, local volunteers, Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, and community members in a unified effort to assist wildfire survivors. According to a video shared via Watch The Yard courtesy of @Naijadiva10, attendees were offered free meals, essential supplies such as clothing and hygiene products, and access to relief funds to help cover urgent personal expenses.

 

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If you missed the event, don’t worry. The Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is also accepting monetary donations through their online portal. The funds raised will be used to provide emergency shelter for victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, offering support to those who have lost their homes. Additionally, the donations will help supply essential needs, including food, clothing, and medical supplies, to assist those affected by the disaster.

“This is just the beginning of our commitment to helping those impacted rebuild and recover for the long term,” Kimberly M. Usher, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Farwest regional director, told Watch The Yard during a recent interview. 

 

 

Where do the fires stand currently?

The powerful wildfires that erupted Jan. 7, fueled by 100 mph Santa Ana winds, remain largely uncontrolled. Firefighters are focused on containing the largest blazes, including the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, which are 68% and 91% contained as of Jan. 22, according to CAL FIRE. The Lilac and Clay Fires in San Diego and Riverside counties are 50% and 40% contained, respectively. Tragically, the wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 28 people, scorched over 40,000 acres, and destroyed more than 15,000 structures.

California officials are concerned that firefighting efforts could be delayed as Santa Ana winds are expected to intensify through Thursday, CNN reported. Over 10 million people in Southern California are under red flag warnings due to the combination of gusty winds and persistently dry conditions.

While the National Weather Service’s “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warnings for parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties expired Tuesday, red flag warnings will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. Winds of 30 to 50 mph are expected, with isolated gusts reaching up to 65 mph.


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