LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — UNITED SIKHS, a United Nations-affiliated nonprofit, is providing thousands of hot meals and essential supplies to those affected by the Eaton Fire and other devastating wildfires in Southern California.
The organization has vowed to serve over 10,000 meals to affected residents and operates from the Pasadena Job Center located at 500 North Lake Avenue. Volunteers along with several Gurdwaras across California have been serving hot food, masala tea, and relief items from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.
The act of sharing a meal transcends cultural and religious boundaries,” said Moninder Singh, senior program manager with UNITED SIKHS. “It’s a simple yet powerful way to show that we care for each other, no matter our backgrounds.”
UNITED SIKHS has also set up a storage facility to maintain its relief efforts and is running a 24/7 helpline, UMEED, at 1-855-878-6333, for those in need.
Gurvinder Singh, the group’s humanitarian aid director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to Seva, or selfless service. “We have spoken out for the voiceless, fought for the vulnerable, and aided those who cannot help themselves,” he said.
Relief efforts aren’t limited to the Sikh communities, though. Volunteers from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills are gearing up to offer water, first aid kits, and sleeping bags. “In the joy of others, lies our own,” quoted volunteer Mehul Patel from the group’s late leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Over 60 square miles of land have been engulfed by fires claiming at least 25 lives and destroying more than 12,000 structures. Conditions are gradually improving, but the National Weather Service believes that fire risks will be back next week.
Donations can be made via the Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Efforts UNITED SIKHS page at dvnetwork.org/projects/los-angeles-wildfire-relief-efforts
