Books for Altadena's Displaced Children

Dear friends, neighbors, and those holding Altadena in their hearts,

As you know, this week, the Altadena community has suffered a devastating loss due to the Eaton Fire. Countless homes and businesses have been reduced to rubble, with an estimated ten thousand families either displaced and/or homeless. I send my sincerest condolences to those who have lost their homes in this tragedy.

Five PUSD schools have also been destroyed. The students of Altadena Arts Magnet, Aveson Charter School, Loma Alta Elementary, and Noyes (Aveson) Elementary School have no classrooms to return to. My heart is crushed as a teacher from a family of educators and a former PUSD student. Former students of mine, and current students of my father and sister who have lost their homes, please know our hearts are especially with you at this time.

My goal is to gather funds to buy new books to make sure our community’s children can still enjoy the magic of reading and keep their learning a top priority. The skills built within the walls of our schools have irreplaceable value and are the foundation for our children’s development. As you know, strong literacy is key to fostering all independent learning skills and encourages learning in and out of the classroom. We will also be accepting new and gently used children’s books at physical drop-off centers in the Altadena/Pasadena area.

Your contributions will help us during these times to:

Please email us at the email in our header above, cbforaltadena(@)gmail.com, or check on our Instagram @cbforaltadena for more ways to help.

Though our community has been deeply hurt, it is not gone. The community is the people, and some of the very best people I know. I have no doubt that we can rebuild what was lost and come back ten times stronger. I am your neighbor, and I am here with you.

Thank you,

Carmela