Amid the smoke and chaos of the wildfires raging through Los Angeles, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes and families torn from their homes, a group of Trail Life volunteers stood in the gap, bringing hope to desperate people in need. On Saturday, January 11, as fire crews battled the flames and the National Guard was still on its way, over 60 volunteers, Trailmen and their parents, from 6 different Troops were already on the ground, distributing water and supplies to those who had lost everything.
“We began passing out water within 30 minutes of our arrival,” Mike Wyant, a Trail Life adult leader, shared. “We were among the first on the ground, and the need was overwhelming. People had been instructed to boil all their water, but the problem was that few had the means to do that. Seeing the locals, some with nothing but the clothes on their backs, it was clear that we were in the right place.”
The impact of the volunteers' work was even more pronounced when considering the timeline. The National Guard didn't arrive until two hours after they did, but families from all over Southern California had already begun sending supplies. The Rose Bowl and Santa Anita Racetrack, both overwhelmed with donations, began diverting their resources to Montrose Church because they didn’t have the volunteers on the ground to distribute them.
“We were just amazed at how fast supplies were pouring in from all over SoCal,” Mike said. “It felt like everyone was doing their part. But at the same time, we saw the need for boots on the ground, and we knew we could be there faster than anyone else.”
These Trailmen weren't just dropping off supplies. They were doing the hard, meaningful work of being there for people in crisis. Mike recounted a moment with an older man named Larry who had lost his home in the fire and was living in a tent on his property with his wife. After receiving water, coats, bedding, and hygiene supplies, Larry broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the kindness shown to him. “He told me that he now knew he was loved and not alone,” Mike shared. “I’m not typically a big hugger, but I hugged him while he cried on my shoulder. I assured him that he was loved by God and by us and to come back and see Pastor Scott and Montrose Church for more supplies this week.”
In addition to providing relief at Montrose Church, the volunteers loaded up trucks with supplies and hit the streets, carrying backpacks full of supplies, going door-to-door and asking families what they needed. These Trailmen weren’t just sitting back and waiting for those in need to come to them; they were running towards those in need, making sure no one was overlooked as they worked their way through the neighborhoods hit hardest by the fires.
Moving forward, the recovery process is just beginning. Local churches and community groups will continue to support victims with cash donations, grocery gift cards, and fuel cards as they work through the long road of rebuilding.
If you're interested in supporting the efforts or getting involved in future relief missions, consider reaching out to our friends at Samaritan’s Purse. Please join us in lifting up prayers for the countless lives impacted by these devastating fires, and thank you to Trail Life Troops CA-0110 Montrose, CA-4673 Hermosa, CA-611 Riverside, CA-4110 Santa Clarita, CA-2678 Chino Hills, and CA-0608 Norwalk for answering the call.
