For Altadena families who lost everything they had in the Eaton fire, the road to recovery will not be quick. With a focused emphasis on historically underserved neighborhoods where resources and attention are often overlooked, we're responding with immediate, unconditional grants to help these families rebuild their lives, preserve their community, and maintain their dignity while on that road. ​​
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The Eaton Fire has devastated large portions of Altadena, with more than 4,000 structures destroyed. The impact has been particularly severe in neighborhoods where many families were already experiencing poverty before losing their homes, possessions, and community landmarks.​​
Our Response
Every penny donated to the Letters From Altadena campaign will go directly to affected families. Working with trusted community partners, we are currently identifying families who were already struggling before the disaster struck. These families will receive unrestricted grants they can use for their most urgent needs.
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Why This Matters
The fires that tore through Southern California didn't just take homes — they stole entire lives. Photos, memories, everything gone in hours. And for families who were barely making rent before disaster struck? Starting over feels impossible.
Here's the thing about disasters: they hit hardest in neighborhoods that usually get overlooked. The same communities that struggle to get loans, insurance, or even basic services in good times? They're the ones left waiting for help when everything falls apart.
That's why we do things differently. No paperwork mazes. No hoops to jump through. We put money directly in people's hands and trust them to know what they need. Because when you've lost everything, the last thing you need is someone telling you how to put your life back together.
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How You Can Help
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Donate Now: Every dollar goes directly to families affected by the Eaton Fire. Letters Charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so your donation is tax deductible.
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Share: Spread the word about this campaign on social media.
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Follow: Stay updated on our impact by following us on social media @letterscharity and signing up for our email list.​​
​​More About Letters Charity
Letters Charity transforms compassion into direct financial support for families experiencing poverty, providing assistance without expectation or judgment. Best known for our Letters To Santa program—a Chicago institution since 1995—we've brought hope to thousands of families through unconditional giving. Each holiday season, Letters To Santa surprises families with both essential items and a $10,000 cash grant, demonstrating the power of immediate, unrestricted financial support. Building on this proven model of direct assistance, we continue to expand our impact through emergency relief initiatives, ensuring that every penny donated goes directly to families in need.​​