Urgent: Help Victoria and Joyce Recover from Eaton Fires

My name is Kimberlina McKinney, and I’m reaching out with an urgent plea for help on behalf of my dear friends, Victoria and her bright, talented 8-year-old daughter, Joyce.

Our daughters are best friends and were classmates at Pasadena Rosebud Academy — their school that also tragically burned down in the devastating Eaton fires.

The above picture is what’s left of Pasadena Rosebud Academy.

The fires also destroyed Victoria and Joyce’s home in Altadena, a cozy and friendly apartment complex.

Joyce, who is a talented gymnast and cheerleader, has always been a beacon of joy and dedication. She was thriving at Rosebud Academy, a second home she loved from Kindergarten to 3rd grade. But now she’s without a school, without a routine, and without the tools she needs to succeed.

Below is their home after the fire in Altadena.

Below is their home before the fire.

Victoria was born and raised in the Altadena area, a community she and Joyce love deeply and called home. Now, they both have lost everything—their home, Joyce’s school, and the familiar environment and neighborhood that provided their family with stability and security.

Victoria and Joyce are currently sleeping in my living room (as I only have a small modest home). They need help to get back into a stable home and start their lives fresh.

The loss has been devastating for me as well, as my daughter also lost her school. However, we are fortunate to be able to offer them some sense of familiarity and stability by welcoming them into our home during this challenging time.

But the Eaton fires left Victoria and Joyce with practically nothing. They had moments to grab what they could before evacuating, but the fire consumed everything else—clothing, shoes, everyday necessities, cash savings, and sentimental keepsakes. The loss is unimaginable, but Victoria and Joyce remain strong and hopeful.

They have received basic clothing donations and generosity from the community for some essentials, but they do not have anywhere to call home. While Victoria applied for FEMA assistance, those funds are limited and won’t cover many of their most pressing needs.

Right now, Victoria is trying to figure out their next steps and trying to save money to get into a stable environment. Victoria works full-time at a dental office but needs help. If you have the means, please help lighten the weight of this tragedy.

Please consider helping them today!

Our girls are comforted by being able to cohabitate since they are best friends, but it is a time that is also so tragic and stressful. Seeing their smiles and joy is keeping our hope alive, and we are taking each day in stride.

Victoria and I are both single mothers and doing everything we can to keep our daughters together at a new school and in the same local community. Maintaining their bond and some sense of normalcy is critical for their emotional well-being during this traumatic time. We received a generous offer from a private school that has opened its doors to immediately admit the girls into its nurturing environment mid-year, but not everything is covered for their education costs.

Why They Need Your Help Right Now

Victoria and Joyce are heartbroken by the loss of her school, their home, and sense of stability.

Victoria is doing everything she can, but the costs of starting over from scratch and placing Joyce in a new school are overwhelming.

This is not just a simple donation. It’s about giving Joyce the chance to continue thriving and helping Victoria provide the life her daughter deserves.

Your donations will help with the following immediate needs:

- Clothing and personal essentials such as socks, underwear, shoes, coats, and Joyce’s gymnastics and cheer uniforms

- School supplies including books, backpacks, office supplies, art supplies, toys, shoes, and clothing to help Joyce transition to a new school and routine.

- Tuition and childcare: So far, the only school that is opening its doors immediately to Joyce and my daughter is a private school with a monthly tuition and afterschool care that is not fully covered. Having a welcoming and quality school is vital to ensuring Joyce can stay academically challenged and maintain some sense of consistency.

- Household necessities like toiletries, bedding, cookware, and other items needed to rebuild their daily routines.

- Groceries and transportation costs as they navigate this challenging time and find long-term solutions.

A Message of Hope and Gratitude

Despite everything they’ve lost, Victoria and Joyce remain strong, but they cannot do this alone. Joyce’s infectious smile and Victoria’s determination remind me every day why we need to rally around them as a community.

Your kindness can help give them the stability, security, and hope they so desperately need right now.

Please join me in helping Victoria and Joyce through this incredibly difficult time.

Together, we can make a real difference in their lives.