LA County Library Foundation and Altadena Library Foundation Launch Connected Wellness Campaign to Support Los Angeles Fire Victims

Los Angeles County, CA – In response to the devastating impacts of the Los Angeles Wildfires, including the Eaton Fire, LA County Library Foundation and Altadena Library Foundation have partnered to launch the Connected Wellness Campaign, a collaborative effort to provide essential resources to affected families and individuals.

The campaign aims to address three critical needs:

• New Books and School Supplies: Funds will provide new books and school supplies to help children and families continue their education with essential learning materials.
• Free MiFi Internet Services: Donations will be used to provide MiFi devices with a data plan. These portable hotspots utilize cellular networks to offer Wi-Fi, keeping families and individuals connected to vital resources.
• Diapers, Wipes, and Menstrual Products: Contributions will support the purchase and distribution of diapers, wipes, and menstrual products that are crucial to maintain health and well-being.

This partnership underscores both foundations’ commitment to helping the community recover by providing resources that enhance connectivity and well-being during this challenging time.

“Now more than ever, our neighbors need resources that can truly make an impact,” said Skye Patrick, County Librarian and CEO of LA County Library. “LA County Library Foundation plays a vital role in supporting programs to ensure that children, teens, and adults in the County have access to essential services. Our partnership with the Altadena Library District and the Altadena Library Foundation demonstrates our shared commitment to support those affected by the Eaton Fire.”

“This campaign is a symbol of hope and connection in a time of crisis,” said Altadena Library District Director Nikki Winslow. “Everyone in and around our district has been impacted. By providing MiFi devices and other essentials, we will connect our neighbors to the resources and information they need to rebuild their homes and businesses. This is about keeping our community informed, empowered, and supported, about standing together as we begin to heal and rebuild.”

Community members across Los Angeles County are encouraged to support this vital effort. Due to space limitations, the library systems can only accept monetary donations at this time. Visit LACountyLibrary.org/connected-wellness or AltadenaLibrary.org/connected-wellness to learn more and donate.

About Altadena Library Foundation

The Altadena Library Foundation has supported and strengthened the mission and resources of the Altadena Libraries through fundraising and advocacy since 2009. For more information about or to support the Foundation, visit AltadenaLibraryFoundation.org.

About Altadena Library District

For almost a century, the Altadena Library District has been bringing people and ideas together, and the district is committed to supporting our community as we rebuild Altadena into a place where all are learning, growing, and thriving together. More information about Altadena Library District is available at AltadenaLibrary.org.

About LA County Library Foundation

LA County Library Foundation raises funds and creates partnerships to support LA County Library and the millions of children, teens, and adults whose lives and communities the Library enriches with free resources. The Library is a dynamic and unifying force in Los Angeles County, with LA County Library Foundation a vital partner. Public dollars don’t cover all the Library’s costs for services it provides. The Library Foundation works to bridge that funding gap – with gifts from private sources, including corporations, foundations, and individuals – and builds deep-rooted community support for the Library and its role as a civic cornerstone. Donations to LA County Library Foundation are investments in literacy and lifelong learning, a stronger workforce, creativity, and a more inclusive and just community.

About LA County Library

LA County Library belongs to our communities and serves as a portal to learn, grow, and succeed. Founded in 1912, it is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US, and was awarded the nation’s highest honor—the National Medal for Museum and Library Service—in 2023. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing equitable access for all through culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries and 15-vehicle mobile fleet, including Bookmobiles, MākMō maker mobiles, Reading Machines, and outreach vehicles. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

CONTACT: pio@library.lacounty.gov