When fires swept through part of Los Angeles this week, Real estate agent Jenna Cooper began asking her friends for clothes and other items to help those in need.
Her petition spread quickly through a network of powerful women. actresses like Sharon Stone and Halle Berry responded, providing sweaters, shoes, clothing, bags, belts, pajamas and other items from their own collections.
“I’m picking out my entire closet,” Berry wrote on Instagram. “If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same. This is something we can do right now.”
Cooper, who also runs a home goods store called +COOP, cleared half the space to create an area for displaced people to take what they need. Many Angelenos lost entire homes in the fires, which were still burning Friday.
Stone spread information about the donations on social media, which helped attract publicity. She and her sister, Kelly Stone, contributed clothing, bedding and more, and Kelly volunteered to help shoppers.
“The first thing they need when they walk into the store is a hug,” Kelly Stone said. Then he tells buyers, “Show me pictures of yourself, how do you dress?” so he can guide them toward sweaters or trench coats that reflect their style.
At the store on Friday, a therapy dog named Jackie Robinson greeted people at the door. Inside, they looked at the racks of dresses and coats, the stacks of jeans, the shelves of shoes, and the baskets of handbags.
The deals ranged from Target underwear packages to new or gently used Zara dresses to some Gucci and Ferragamo shoes.
Cooper said he received donations and volunteer support from influential people in Los Angeles, such as actors, executives, lawyers, restaurateurs and mothers. His network of New York real estate agents sent him gift cards.
A Hollywood stylist arrived with two large bags of items from her closet and was recruited to help organize the store for shoppers over the weekend.
“I know people who have lost everything, and even people I don’t know, that I’m devastated for,” said Lisa Cera, who has worked for celebrities including the Kardashians and Lenny Kravitz. “I’ve decided I’m going to take what I can “.
Ellen Bennett was picking out items for her 72-year-old mother, who lost her home in the Eaton Fire on Los Angeles’ east side. Bennett said he selected “the basics,” including socks, sweaters, pants, a jacket and a pair of running shoes.
“She left the house with her dog, a bag and a few things. She thought she would come back,” Bennett said of her mother, adding, “It’s so special and beautiful that in these times of tragedy, people stand up and help each other.” “.
Store owner Cooper said she helped a man find a pair of sneakers so he could run on the beach, something he hadn’t done since the fires broke out. She said she was overwhelmed by the response to her idea to help.
“This is a city of love, and everyone wants to support each other,” Cooper said.
