LOS ANGELES: As wildfires ravaged parts of Los Angeles this week, real estate agent Gina Cooper began asking friends for clothes and other items to help those in need.
Her request spread quickly through a network of powerful women. Actors including Sharon Stone and Halle Berry responded, pulling out sweaters, shoes, dresses, handbags, belts, pajamas and more from their own collections.
“I’m packing 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, vacated half the space to create a pop-up shopping experience for homeless people to pick up the supplies they need. Many Angelenos lost entire homes in the fire, which was still burning Friday.
Stone circulated information about the donations on social media, which helped attract publicity. She and her sister, Kelly Stone, donated clothes, bedding and more, and Kelly volunteered to help shoppers.
“The first thing they need when they come into the store is a hug,” Kelly Stone said. He then asked the shoppers, “Show me your pictures, what do you wear?” So that he can steer them towards sweaters or trench coats that reflect their style.
At the store Friday, a therapy dog named Jackie Robinson greeted people at the door. Inside, they saw racks of dresses and coats, stacks of denim, closets for shoes and baskets of handbags.
Offers range from packages of fresh underwear from Target to new or gently used clothing from Zara and some Gucci and Ferragamo shoes.
Cooper said he received donations and volunteer support from Los Angeles power players, including actors, executives, lawyers, restaurant owners and mothers. He said a network of real estate agents in New York was sending out gift cards.
A Hollywood stylist brought two large bags of items from her closet and was enlisted to help organize the store for weekend shoppers.
“I know people who have lost everything, and I even know people I don’t know that I’m devastated for,” said Lisa Serra, who wrote The Kardashians and Lenny. Has worked for celebrities including Kravitz. “I decided to bring whatever I could.”
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 she chose “the basics,” including socks, a sweater, pants, a jacket and a pair of running shoes.