A Community United: Girl Scouts and Operation Blessing Pack Hope for Wildfire Victims

CALIFORNIA – When disaster strikes, it does more than destroy homes—it shakes the very foundation of communities, leaving families struggling to not only rebuild their homes but connections. In Los Angeles, the recent wildfires reduced entire neighborhoods to ash, forcing many to start over with nothing. But even in the face of devastation, hope for wildfire victims remains. Operation Blessing has been on the ground, bringing relief to wildfire survivors by distributing essential supplies like food, hygiene kits, and other necessities. But they haven’t been doing it alone.

A Helping Hand from the Next Generation

In the heart of Los Angeles, a group of dedicated Girl Scouts joined Operation Blessing to help families who lost everything. Together, they set up an assembly line, filling food boxes with essentials like pasta, beef jerky, and canned goods—small comforts that mean the world to those in need.

“We are with some Girl Scouts, kids who are putting all their energy and giving all their time to put together these food boxes,” one volunteer shared. “It was really fun.”

For these young volunteers, the experience was about more than just packing supplies and earning a patch—it was about teamwork, compassion, and making a difference. One scout reflected on how much it meant to her to be there, working alongside her friends:

“I like teamwork with my friends to help pack the macaroni boxes and the beef jerky. Two of my friends, their houses burned down, and I feel it’s just so sad… I’m so happy I get to be here helping people have some food.”

For another young girl, volunteering wasn’t just something to do—it was part of who she was:

“I love helping people. It’s what I’m all about.”

Teaching Compassion, One Box at a Time

For parents, moments like these are invaluable. Seeing their children step up, give their time, and truly embrace the spirit of service is a reminder that kindness starts young.

“As a mom, it’s really important to give your kids these opportunities.” A volunteer shared. “It will help them eventually in their life to deal with anything that might come their way.”

The impact of these simple acts of kindness ripples far beyond the food boxes. It brings hope to families struggling to move forward. It reminds survivors that they are not alone.

A Message of Strength and Love for Los Angeles

As the Girl Scouts and Operation Blessing volunteers wrapped up their efforts for the day, their message to the people of Los Angeles was clear:

“We love you, Los Angeles. We’re here to help you and rebuild and be your neighbors in your time of need.”

Even in the darkest times, your support is doing incredible things. Not just is your support giving hope to wildfire victims, it is enabling communities to come together to show kindness and the love of Jesus to those who need it most.

The Gift that Keeps Giving: Clean Water in Peru

PERU – Searching for water in the dusty highlands of Llinquipata, Peru, involved a one-hour round trip on uneven terrain to collect contaminated water from the river or from shallow hand-dug wells. The absence of proper sanitation left residents dependent on makeshift latrines more than a half mile away from their homes. For many, like 70-year-old Paulino, life hasn’t been easy, and the lack of clean water and proper sanitation only added to their daily struggle. A source of safe clean water in Peru was nothing more than a distant dream for Paulino.

Paulino’s beloved wife passed away years ago, and his children have all grown and moved away. He continues working hard to provide for himself and take care of his household duties, including collecting water, but it has become more difficult as he ages.

Paulino shared with us, “We cannot live without water, and as I grow older, the fatigue sets in more, making the journey to the river or searching for water in the old hand-dug wells exhausting. It is hard to live in such conditions. We struggle a lot.”

The Love of GOD with the Gift of Clean Water in Peru

But amid Paulino’s struggles, generous friends like you brought the love of God in a tangible way: life-changing access to clean water in Peru and hygiene stations.

Operation Blessing drilled a well and equipped it with a solar-powered water pump and a 2,500-gallon elevated storage tank. From there, the water is cleaned and filtered, then flows directly to each household. A hygiene station, including a biodigester toilet, shower, and sink for handwashing, was provided for every family, and the community learned proper handwashing and hygiene.

Your kindness brought hope to a struggling community and made a lasting impression on people like Paulino for the kingdom of God. Your support has lightened the burden for him and many others in his community. Access to clean water and sanitation is a gift that Llinquipata will never forget, and it’s all thanks to you.

Paulino smiled warmly and expressed his gratitude. “I am thrilled! I never thought something like this would happen here. Before, getting water was painful, but now we no longer need to walk to the river or hand-dug wells for water. Clean water in Peru now comes to our houses! Thank you very much, friends.”

“I am thrilled! I never thought something like this would happen here. Before, getting water was painful, but now we no longer need to walk to the river or hand-dug wells for water. Clean water in Peru now comes to our houses! Thank you very much, friends.”
-Paulino

From Devastation to Hope Through Food Assistance

USA – When an electrical fire destroyed Lakeshia and Michael’s home in November 2023, the couple and their children lost everything. The devastating event forced them into temporary hotel accommodations, stretching their already tight finances to the breaking point. Pushed to the limits by economic strain, it would not be long until her family would need food assistance.

The situation took a severe toll on Lakeshia’s mental health. “It made me feel worthless as a mom,” she shared. “It was affecting me mentally. It was to the point where I was like, ‘Is it okay for me to live?’ Your kids sometimes are the only reason that you’re living. … It was the lowest I’ve ever been in my life.”

Food Assistance Makes an Impact

But thanks to friends like you, hope arrived through an organization called Road Show Alliance, which reached out to Lakeshia after seeing a GoFundMe post about her situation. Through their partnership with Operation Blessing, they began providing regular food assistance to her family at the hotel. The impact was immediate and significant.

“It helped me a lot. It helped me be able to feed my kids and it took a lot of stress off me,” Lakeshia explained. “Getting food made a tremendous difference in my life because I was able to afford the bills and able to get my kids school clothes. That’s money that I could put somewhere else.”

Because of friends like you, Lakeshia received quality food that helped her family find some measure of peace during the storm. “We get chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned vegetables. We get rice and macaroni and cheese, cranberry juices. My kids fight over those cranberry juices,” she said with a smile. “The food is good quality food. Especially the meats. … With Operation Blessing food, everything is ready to be prepared. It’s never been outdated.”

Volunteering to Help Others in Need

Today Lakeshia, Michael, and their family have found a new home. Lakeshia serves as a caregiver for her two autistic children while occasionally working as a house cleaner and private chef. Though challenges remain, she has found a new sense of purpose through her experience. She now volunteers with the organization that helped her family through their darkest time, hoping to inspire others who might be hesitant to seek assistance.

“I hope my story inspires people to receive help because they’re embarrassed or they feel like they’re going to be talked about,” she says. “You’ve got to let your pride down and accept help from people. Sometimes God sends people or different organizations in your life to help you.”

For Lakeshia, your faithful support provided more than just food assistance—it restored her dignity and hope. “I feel love when I’m there. I feel love when I’m picking out food,” she said. “It’s giving me hope that eventually I won’t need the help. The hope that it’s still going to be there for people that need it.”

Ukraine on the Anniversary of War

UKRAINE – On February 24, 2022, Russian forces brutally invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. As we approach the third anniversary of the start of that war, we remember the nightmare its citizens have been forced to endure—and the love you have sent to combat that darkness. On the anniversary of war, we are reminded of your incredible faithfulness to help the beleaguered people of Ukraine.

Galina remembers what it was like: the initial disbelief. The futile hope that the terror would pass them by. Finally, the realization that the war was there to stay—and that her family needed to flee.

“Before the war, we worked hard and everything was fine,” she told us. “We had our own business making rubber-technical products, and there, I served as the chief engineer.”

But suddenly their lives changed drastically. “The war took everything away,” she said. “We lost our home. Our large and friendly family was scattered.” Galina summed up her painful feelings: “I am tormented by longing for a home that no longer exists.”

According to UNICEF, the Ukrainian refugee crisis caused by Russia’s invasion is the largest migration crisis in the world this century. More than 16 million residents were forced to flee, and about 8 million more have become internally displaced. The people are enduring relentless hostilities, prolonged displacement, and severe shortages of basic necessities such as clean water and power.

Tremendous Love and Compassion on the Anniversary of War

Since the beginning of the war, Operation Blessing has been on the ground to assist the people affected. A team traveled to the Polish border early on to work with Ukrainian refugees who had fled there. Thanks to the tremendous love and compassion of partners like you, tens of thousands of families inside Ukraine have received food. And every day, Operation Blessing visits the temporary shelters of displaced people who have opted to stay.

Currently, we are also distributing around 1,000 loaves of bread per month in the war-stricken settlements of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. There, the brave few suffer through rocket attacks—and must bear with lack of heating, electricity, and even food. They are incredibly thankful for your help.

Meanwhile, Galina now lives in a small apartment in a safer part of the country with her husband, daughter, grandson, and 90-year-old father, after initially being separated from her father when the war broke out. Mercifully, part of her family is again under one roof, but they struggle to get by as the war rages on. While the anniversary of war is a somber reminder of struggle, it also a reminder of how much you care. Thanks to your kindness, we were able to bring this brave family nourishing food—and thick blankets to make the harsh winters a bit warmer.

“We are very grateful to the people of Operation Blessing for helping us,” Galina acknowledged. “It is thanks to you that we have food. We will remember until the end of our days how you did not abandon us in our most difficult time. … So we are very grateful!”

Cooking Their Way from Debt to Financial Freedom

THAILAND – Mhoo and her husband, Ampon, once struggled to get by in Thailand, until you sent a lifeline through their church and Operation Blessing. Because of your kindness a family was able to overcome crippling debt and experience financial freedom.

Ampon previously worked as a contractor but was having trouble finding enough work. “Our family was not in good shape because we were in significant debt from our previous job. We felt trapped and didn’t know what to do,” said Mhoo.

Support from the Local Church

Desperate to provide for himself and his family, Ampon turned to his pastor for assistance. “I asked the church for temporary support,” he told us.

Thanks to caring supporters like you, Operation Blessing had partnered with the couple’s church, creating a microenterprise program designed to help those in financial straits find job security through entrepreneurship. Pastor Pai welcomed this opportunity to help support families like Ampon’s and he happily referred Ampon and Mhoo for the program.

It was a perfect fit for them! “I was really glad to join such a supportive program, especially receiving the funding to help us start this business and generate income for our family,” Mhoo said.

“I was really glad to join such a supportive program, especially receiving the funding to help us start this business and generate income for our family.”
-Mhoo

“I’m a cook at the church, and I know a thing or two about frying dishes, so I thought I would give it a try,” said Ampon. “We were able to pay off some of our debt by selling fried pork, which is now our main business,” he also told us. “We can take care of and support our family. I can honestly say that this job fully supports our living.”

Pastor Pai witnessed firsthand how the program is changing lives. “It’s not just about jobs,” he explained. “It’s about restoring dignity, strengthening families, and sharing God’s blessings.”

Enjoying Their Newfound Financial Freedom

Ampon and Mhoo aren’t only enjoying their newfound financial freedom, but also their ability to balance life outside of work now that he doesn’t need to work long hours.

Mhoo said, “I am grateful for the support of Operation Blessing. I am thankful that you are helping our family through this program. I’ve seen your help, sincerity, and care for families in need, enabling them to generate income and live normally. Thank you so much, Operation Blessing!”

Through Operation Blessing, you continue to empower families like theirs. Thank you for being a part of this ripple effect of hope and change. Together, we are turning hardships into blessings and helping people in need experience financial freedom.

Rebuilding Lives: Bringing Hope After Wildfires

CALIFORNIA – When disaster strikes, it leaves more than just physical destruction—it shatters lives, dreams, and communities. For so many, regaining hope after wildfires is a long and challenging process. For Janine, the California wildfires took her stomping grounds. Houses of friends and family, cafes, schools, and eateries were burned up in the inferno, taking with them feelings of home and belonging.

A Community Lost, But Not Forgotten

“I’ve lost my community, and it’s just so sad for all of my friends because it’s not just that you’ve lost a home—you’ve lost your soul,” Janine said. “Your whole reason for living is gone, completely gone.”

But thanks to your generous support, families like Janine’s are not alone. Operation Blessing is on the ground, working tirelessly to bring relief and restore hope to those who have lost everything.

Your Impact: Providing Essential Supplies and Comfort

Because of your kindness, Operation Blessing has been able to distribute food, hygiene products, and critical supplies to wildfire survivors and even first responders. In partnership with local churches and volunteers like Janine, our teams have put together hundreds of care packages for those in need.

“We partnered with your organization. They came to our church. We’re up there every day working,” Janine explained. “I think yesterday we put together just under 300 boxes of food and supplies for the families—something as simple as toothpaste and toothbrushes, which you just don’t think about. These people have lost everything.”

More Than Just Supplies—A Connection to Hope After Wildfires

Beyond the tangible aid, your support is also bringing emotional and spiritual healing to those in distress.

“People are so traumatized by all of this that they’re only communicating with the necessary people right now just to get done what has to be done,” Janine said. “But being able to supply them with food, hearing their stories, and seeing how grateful they are—it’s just been such a blessing for me.”

Your generosity is not just meeting physical needs; it is showing survivors that they are not forgotten.

Looking Ahead With Hope: A Future of Restoration

Thanks to your unwavering support, survivors like Janine are finding new strength and hope. For Janine, volunteering has not just been something to fill her time, it’s been a crucial part of her healing journey. “I feel very honored that I can do something,” she said. “I’m looking forward to hopefully going out in the community and literally being able to hand these boxes out to these people. Things like this are what bring people closer to God.”

Every donation, every prayer, and every act of kindness is a step toward rebuilding lives and restoring hope after wildfires. Thank you for being a beacon of light in the darkest of times. Together, we are making a difference—one life, one family, and one community at a time.

For the Love of Sammy’s Daughters

KENYA – Love from around the world is keeping Sammy’s once struggling family in good shape. His three daughters in Kenya are warm and dry this Valentine’s Day due to your kindness. In their new home, the girls can easily move from room to room, fix food for themselves, and even use the bathroom comfortably without assistance. Every inch was designed to meet their special needs—thanks to the love they received from friends like you.

But last year, Valentine’s Day was very different for this struggling family in Kenya. The family’s one-room mud hut offered so little shelter from the wind and rain, Sammy worried that it might blow away. Then his wife passed away, and matters grew even worse.

“I could no longer go to work, as I had to stay home and take care of my children,” Sammy told us. You see, two of Sammy’s three precious daughters—Ruth (15) and Salome (14)—had brittle bone disease and needed constant care. “When my wife passed away, it really affected us,” he remembered. “It increased the burden on me as I had to play both roles in the home.”

Ruth and Salome needed Sammy to carry them from place to place. The hut was so small, they shared meals and family time outside and only went inside to sleep.

Feeding His Struggling Family … One Meal at a Time

Sammy began farming, so he could feed his struggling family one meal each day, and he never lost his faith. “I often prayed to God for grace to get the resources to build a home and school my children.” Then God answered that prayer through a generous friend like you and the overall support of our faithful Operation Blessing partners.

“When the construction began, I was very happy,” Sammy told us. “I knew indeed God’s promises had come true over my life.”

Their new home was more than Sammy could ever have imagined. The concrete house protected them from the cold rain and wind. It was warm, spacious, and, most importantly, safe for his girls.

A New Home and a Rainwater Harvesting System

Our team installed a rainwater harvesting system right outside their home, so Sammy would no longer have to walk long distances just to gather water, and they built a wheelchair-accessible bathroom that the girls could reach and use without assistance.

Caring people just like you heard the cry of Sammy’s heart to provide for his daughters and gave this hardworking single father the gift of a lifetime. “Thank you so, so much for helping this struggling family, and may God bless you!”

Offering Joy Through Valentine Dance Party for Wildfire Victims

CALIFORNIA – For families who lost their homes in the devastating California fires, life has been anything but normal. Yet, amid the uncertainty, your generosity sought to bring comfort and a sense of community back into their lives. You provided joy through a dance party for wildfire victims.

This past weekend at Bel Air Church in Southern California, you made it possible for Operation Blessing to host two unforgettable nights of family fun—a mother-son dance followed by a daddy-daughter dance. The goal was simple: to remind these children and their parents that they are not alone, and that joy can still be found even in the toughest times.

The Need: Restoring a Sense of Normalcy

Almost 200 families between Bel Air Church and the local school have lost their homes, with approximately 80% of the community evacuated and displaced. This has left families feeling hopeless and lost. Without homes, children are left in limbo, with every day feeling different than the last and almost no sense of routine. One father, Edward, who attended with his daughter, shared the significance of continuity during this difficult time.

“We lost our house in the Palisades fire. And so we’ve been down in Orange County with family. And I think the most important thing for our girls is continuity and community.”

A Night of Joy and Community Through a Dance Party

That’s exactly what your donations provided—a chance to reconnect, to heal, and to take one small step forward. Your generosity gave parents the opportunity to dance the night away with their little ones and the community around them. The dance party came equipped with flashing colorful lights, ice cream, games, prizes, and even some balloon animals. For families like Edward’s, this dance party represents hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Tonight is like a moment of normalcy in an otherwise crazy season,” said Justin, Pastor of Bel Air Church. “For two hours, they get to dance with their daughters, they get to play pop-a-shot, they get to eat more ice cream than a human should eat. They get to do things that normal people get to do.”

For Mary’s family fun has been in short supply as they face uncertainty after the fires. But, because of friends like you, they got to have a night to forget the chaos, and laugh again. “Opportunities like this to just go out and have some fun—people who care—it’s really meaningful and moving and appreciated by the parents,” said Mary.

Thank You For Sharing Hope

Thanks to friends like YOU, Operation Blessing’s disaster relief team was able to make this night a reality. You offered more than just assistance; you showcased the love of Christ to those facing dark times. By providing a dance party for wildfire victims, you gave them a sense of levity and peace after such a tumultuous season of tragedy.

“All of the proceeds from these events are going to help those impacted by the fires,” said Haley Henson, Operation Blessing’s National Media Liaison. “During such a difficult and traumatic time, we wanted to bring some joy to these communities and let them know they’re not alone.”

“To all of our supporters, thank you for allowing us to be here, we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being the hands and feet of God to actually live out that faith of sacrificing for the sake of those who need it. It’s been humbling and overwhelming, and I’m just super thankful.” ~ Pastor Justin Anderson

Your Love Reaches a Child with Severe Abdominal Trouble

MEXICO – For 12-year-old Milagros, known affectionately as Mili, every day brought a new battle with pain. In her small community of Emiliano Zapata, she fought through severe abdominal trouble in Mexico. It threatened not only her health, but also her dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

Suffering with Severe Gallstones

The diagnosis was clear: severe gallstones that required immediate surgery. But with costs exceeding $15,000, the procedure seemed impossibly out of reach. For six long months, Mili endured the severe pain, unable to enjoy simple pleasures like milk, cheese, or beans. Her education hung in the balance as the condition threatened to force her to drop out of her first year of secondary school.

“I had to leave my job at the restaurant to find work closer to home,” her mother Blanca recalls. As a single mother, she struggled to care for Mili while watching medical bills pile up. “The medications alone cost 400 to 600 pesos each month.”

And that’s when your love reached across borders to change everything. Through your compassion, Operation Blessing’s Life-Changing Surgery team stepped in to provide the miracle Mili and her mother had been praying for.

Life-Changing Surgery Marathon

Through an Operation Blessing surgery marathon made possible by caring friends like you, Mili became one of 15 precious children—along with Isaac and Jose—to receive life-changing operations. These surgical marathons put love into action, bringing critical care to those who need it most. From heart surgeries in El Salvador to cataract procedures in South Africa and India, your generosity ensures that healing reaches every corner of the globe.

Each marathon is carefully orchestrated to help as many children and adults as possible in the way they need it most. Working alongside local doctors and health facilities, we ensure not only successful operations but also quality follow-up care that sets each patient up for success.

Healed from Severe Gallstones

The impact of your kindness reaches far beyond the operating room. Just two months after her surgery for severe gallstones, Mili was back to playing with her beloved pets and enjoying her favorite foods again. The severe abdominal trouble is gone. Just look at that smile! She’s ready to chase her dreams once more.

“After receiving the surgery, both Mili and I are very grateful to Operation Blessing and the people who supported her,” Blanca shared. For her and countless other families whose lives have been transformed through the gift of surgery, having a friend like you means everything.

“After receiving the surgery, both Mili and I are very grateful to Operation Blessing and the people who supported her.”
-Blanca

Your compassion doesn’t just provide medical procedures—it restores dignity, enables independence, and strengthens families. For many, these surgeries mean the difference between a life of limitation and one full of possibility. Thank you for being the miracle that families like Mili’s have been praying for. Through your generosity, you’re not just changing lives—you’re transforming entire futures, one surgery at a time.

Generosity After Los Angeles Fires

CALIFORNIA – The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left widespread devastation in their wake, reducing entire communities to ash and displacing countless families. Homes, businesses, and schools have been destroyed by the Los Angeles fires. Sadly, this is forcing many to start over with nothing.

As families begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding, children face the added challenge of continuing their education without the supplies they once relied on. In the midst of loss, the generosity of friends like you is bringing hope, ensuring that these young students can return to school with the resources they need.

Giving Kids a Fresh Start After the Los Angeles Fires

child packs school supplies after los angeles fires

For children who have lost everything, something as simple as a backpack can mean the world. Thanks to the compassion of donors like you, students affected by the fires are receiving backpacks filled with essential school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, markers, rulers, and other classroom necessities. These supplies not only equip children for learning but also restore a sense of normalcy in their disrupted lives.

For Kelly Redd, a mother of three who lost her home in the wildfires, these backpacks represent much more than just school supplies—they symbolize hope and resilience.

“I have three kids, and they only had the clothes on their back. But they’re still expected to do school. So to have a backpack to send them to school with is a really big deal. It makes them feel like they have things of their own.” — Kelly Redd

Each backpack reassures children that they are not alone. It is a powerful reminder that people care, and that even in difficult times, kindness prevails.

More Than School Supplies—Meeting Essential Needs

In addition to school materials, your generous contributions have provided emergency meal kits, bottled water, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies to affected families. These items help relieve the burden on parents as they navigate the process of rebuilding their homes and lives.

For Kelly and her family, these donations have made a meaningful difference:

“Honestly, the boxes are huge. Having a box of food or a bag of supplies—it’s just one less trip that we have to make. And this makes a huge difference.”

The Power of Giving—Restoring Normalcy After Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is a long and challenging journey, but thanks to the generosity of friends like you, children in Los Angeles are regaining a sense of normalcy. Every backpack, every meal kit, and every hygiene item represents hope for a brighter future.

“We’re so grateful to those who have stepped up to support these children. They’re helping them return to school and find hope for the future.”

For Kelly and many other families, this outpouring of support has been a beacon of light in dark times.

“This is incredible. I had never heard of this effort until today, but now that I have, I’m overwhelmed by the kindness of the donors and volunteers. We feel so grateful for the support.”

Thank You for Making a Difference

This effort would not be possible without the selfless giving of partners like you. Whether through school supplies, food, or other essentials, your contributions are changing lives in real and meaningful ways after the Los Angeles fires.

As families in Los Angeles continue the hard work of rebuilding, the generosity of friends like you ensures that children have what they need to succeed.

“On behalf of the children and families of Los Angeles—thank you. Your kindness is making a lasting impact.”