Youth Leader Raven Keiara (far right) pictured with the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen volunteers in Altadena, California.
Raven Keiara has been a leader in the Southern California community’s efforts to extend help to fire-ravaged areas of the region. As the wildfires rage on, she has partnered with organizations and individuals lending a helping hand to those impacted by the devastation caused by the deadly fires.
The teen founded an initiative called ‘Show Up and Step Up’ an empowering platform hoping to encourage Gen Z to give back to their respective communities. She has been at the forefront of local activism and has continued to lead by example. The Mira Costa High School alumni recently jumped into action and began collecting donations, delivering them to victims of the wildfires.
Show Up and Step Up: Response to the Crisis
Raven Keiara got the idea to start collecting supplies after recalling rebuilding efforts from Southern communities ravaged by hurricanes.
Raven Keiara has distributed carloads of supplies to fire victims including toiletry items, household goods, toys, bins filled with phone chargers, new and gently used clothing, bedding, and bags of new jewelry donated by community members.
The initiative has been a success, with many different community members contributing to the project, Raven Keiara said.
The teen has witnessed the harsh conditions that survivors faced. She has had the opportunity to talk with many residents in Altadena and take part in the recovery efforts. “Many homes and businesses were destroyed or severely burned, and there is poor air quality,” she stated.
“There is so much devastation, destruction, and despair,” Raven Keiara said. “Last week, I visited with Ella Hall who was grief-stricken after the Eaton Fire destroyed her Altendana home. She had lived there for 48 years. I can’t imagine. I feel bad for everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially kids my age, who have lost all of their belongings.”
Fierce Impact: Unveiling the Devastation
Raven Keiara, who is also a budding film director, has been documenting the aftermath of the Eaton Fires. She is exposing the revelation of the destruction and hardship of those who have been affected by the wildfires.
She also empowers other teens through her performing arts roles. She recently wrapped production on the Musical Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ under the direction of Anita Dashiell-Sparks with the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
“I think [this wildfire disaster] has affected my attitude on the community because it’s really opened my eyes to how much people are willing to help out,” Raven Keiara said. “It’s also helped me realize how something as small as giving someone a hug can be a huge boost.”
“No matter how busy I am, I have to allot time to give back,” Raven Keiara said. “If that means sacrificing any plans I had made, so be it. This is a defining moment in our history.”
Chain Reaction: Inspiring Others
“For those that choose to participate, it will have a positive impact on them to know that the items they are donating are going to really help someone instead of just collecting dust,” Raven Keiara said. “Many people have completely lost everything, all gone, and we cannot define what has happened to them.”
“The best part [of giving back is the satisfaction of knowing how big of a difference this is going to make in people’s lives,” Raven Keiara said. “Through this initiative, I have made some amazing connections and lasting relationships with the people I worked with.”
The teen added that witnessing all of this will have a lasting impact. Raven Keiara also acknowledged the heroic efforts of brave service workers. “I am grateful for the hard work our first responders and firefighters have poured into this massive response.”
Disaster Relief: Supporting First Responders
Raven Keiara has been uplifting, supporting, and encouraging first responders who are providing critical resources to the front lines.
She said it has been “inspiring” to watch communities coming together and the outpouring of support. “These stories show the power of teamwork and the difference we can make when we join forces,” the teen activist said.
“Volunteering among other humanitarian relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the World Central Kitchen, is something I will not soon forget.”
Unprecedented Response: Answering The Call
The devastating scale of the deadly Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire has left a trail of destruction, affecting entire towns and communities, and will take months, if not years, to rebuild. City officials have come under scrutiny for their response to the wildfires. Meanwhile, rent prices in LA County are soaring, amid an already scarce housing crisis.
Angelenos remain on edge at the fear of new breakout fires. Experts say people respond differently to tragedies and that some people impacted by the worst fire in Los Angeles history will be at increased risk of anxiety and depression, resulting in increased mental health cases. Now more than ever, people will need to come together in the wake of this natural disaster that has caused catastrophic damage.
“It is up to all of us to take action and make a difference,” the teen activist said.