LA Wildfire Home Loss: Help the Shackett-Pola Family Rebuild

Late today, the Shackett-Pola family received devastating news: their Altadena house was tragically burned down in the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.

The family is praising God that Sukumar, Angelina, Zoe and Sukumar's mother Agnes evacuated safely, and beloved grandparents Vickie and Jeff are nearby and have been spared from the fire's damage. But the home where they said goodbye to cherished wife, mom and daughter Kara in, and all they owned, is a complete loss.

Again, friends and family are gathering to surround them in prayer and provision, and we wanted to share how you can help at this important time.

Sukumar and the girls have been through a great deal over the last few years, and this will be another challenge our community can help them overcome, with love, care and support. The family lost all their clothing, belongings, furniture, medications, photos, toys, books, critical papers and personal effects. Nothing was spared by the historic fire, and they will need the time and resources to rebuild, both literally and emotionally.

As the January 8 fire was so close to Christmas, the girls also lost new, treasured toys and gifts from Santa. And even harder, precious memories for the girls of their beloved mother Kara were also lost in the fire. There will be many cherished possessions and special remembrances to replace, and many moments of comfort and consolation ahead as Sukumar supports Angelina and Zoe through this process.

This community has been generous, and this is another important moment when you can donate resources as you feel led and help this beloved family.

Your donation will help provide immediate relief, living expenses and ongoing support to Sukumar and the family as they rebuild and replace what was destroyed by the fire, and allow them to face the financial burdens that come with this kind of unprecedented emergency and total loss. Every donation is meaningful and deeply appreciated.

If you would prefer to give via check instead of online, or want to be part of a soon-to-be-shared "Special Second Santa Delivery" of new toys and books for the girls to show special care in replacing what was lost from Christmas morning, please reach out to the GoFundMe organizers through the “Contact” button below. We will have "Special Second Santa Delivery" details to share as soon as local conditions will again allow regular mail service and safe deliveries.

We ask that you remain in hope and prayer for the family's restoration, healing and comfort—and also join us in celebrating Angelina's birthday, which will be later this week. Your love and care mean the world to the family, thank you for your support.

—Family and Friends of Sukumar, Kara, Agnes, Angelina and Zoe