By Lisa Richwine and Rollo RossLOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires this week, prompting real estate agent Jenna Cooper to mobilize resources for those impacted. Cooper’s call for donations quickly gained traction among a network of influential women, with actresses such as Sharon Stone and Halle Berry stepping up to offer assistance. Stone and Berry generously contributed a range of items from their personal collections, including clothing, accessories, and more.”I’m packing up my entire closet,” Berry shared on Instagram, urging others in Southern California to join the effort. Cooper, who operates the home goods store +COOP, repurposed half of her space to create a temporary shopping experience for displaced individuals to access essential items. Many in Los Angeles lost their homes to the ongoing fires, underscoring the urgent need for support.Stone utilized social media to spread information about the donations, amplifying the outreach. Alongside her sister Kelly Stone, she provided clothing, bedding, and additional essentials, with Kelly offering hands-on assistance to shoppers. “The first thing they need when they come in the store is a hug,” Kelly Stone empathized, guiding individuals towards items that suited their preferences.At the store, visitors were greeted by a therapy dog named Jackie Robinson, setting a comforting tone for those seeking assistance. The space was stocked with an array of garments, shoes, and accessories, ranging from everyday essentials to high-end pieces like Gucci and Ferragamo. Cooper expressed gratitude for the widespread support received from various influential figures in Los Angeles, spanning from actors and executives to community members and parents.The collective effort extended beyond just material donations, with individuals like Hollywood stylist Lisa Cera offering their time and expertise to organize the store and assist shoppers. Cera, known for her work with high-profile clients, emphasized the importance of lending a helping hand in times of crisis. “I know people who have lost everything, and even people I don’t know I’m devastated for,” she shared, reflecting on the profound impact of the fires.One visitor, Ellen Bennett, selected items for her mother, who lost her home in the Eaton fire. Bennett carefully chose essential clothing items to provide comfort and support to her mother during this trying time. Reflecting on the resilience and compassion shown by the community, Bennett remarked, “It’s so special and beautiful that in this time of tragedy, people are rising up and helping each other.”Cooper recounted a poignant moment when she assisted a man in finding a pair of sneakers, enabling him to return to a beloved pastime he had not engaged in since the fires began. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, Cooper commended the spirit of unity and compassion that defined the collective response to the crisis. “This is a city of love, and everybody wants to support each other,” she remarked.(Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Rollo Ross in Los Angeles; Editing by William Mallard)
