Balance of Nature is excited to announce our support of the Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid, a nonprofit organization with the mission of delivering fresh fruits, vegetables, and bottled water to individuals and families in need during times of crisis.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, this new organization saw firsthand the joy that fresh fruit and clean water can bring during the Rebuild with Resilience Fair held at the Church of St. Phillip the Apostle in Pasadena, CA. During the fair, they handed out eight pallets of oranges and over 12,000 water bottles to people displaced or otherwise affected by the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA and and surrounding areas.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire began in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles county, California. Over the course of 24 days, the deadly wildfire spread across Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and Arcadia. Over 9,400 structures were destroyed in the flames and at least 17 individuals were confirmed to have lost their lives. To date, it has been one of the state of California’s most deadly and destructive fires, and navigating the aftermath following this disaster has been nothing short of daunting.
The Greenleaf volunteer Tim Hollingshead noted the graciousness of those receiving the free fruit and water. “It was really a blessing to be there and just help out by giving oranges and water. You wouldn’t think that would be a big deal, but it was.”
Volunteer Andy Iacona expressed how powerful it was to serve the individuals at the fair. “This was a pretty humbling experience for me,” he said. The gravity of what people in the area are facing became real to him as he loaded a case of water into one attendee’s wagon.
“I was trying to give her more water, and I said, ‘Can I put another case in?’ She said,‘I don’t have enough room in my house where I’m staying right now to put more water’.”
When Andy asked if she wanted to take a case to her neighbor, she responded, “I don’t have a neighbor. My house burnt down and so did theirs.”
“That hit me pretty hard,” said Andy.
The Rebuild with Resilience Fair was attended by those seeking relief from the recent fires. In addition to the Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid, there were booths from other nonprofit organizations and businesses offering free resources to attendees. There were also panels hosted by professionals who answered questions on topics such as legal help and mental health in the wake of this crisis.
Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid was also pleased to join hands with the event organizer, nonprofit organization Civic Soul, whose mission is to connect people to service and education through immersive events that uplift communities in need and amplify the impact of trusted nonprofits. Civic Soul was co-founded by Leah Fredkin and Caitlin Stamos. Altadena is Stamos’ hometown.
Stamos expressed gratitude to The Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid for participating in the event and bringing hope to the people of the area. At the event, Stamos reflected, “I’ve felt a lot of warmth in my heart because so many people have come up and said how important the panels were . . . and they’re really grateful for every resource that’s been here. It was such a blessing to offer food and water for people to take home, so thank you, the Greenleaf.”
The Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid volunteer Jennifer Stevens helped pass out bags of oranges and cases of water at the event. She expressed gratitude to Balance of Nature for its support. “It was just overwhelming, the whole experience [at the fair],” she said. “I’m really grateful to Balance of Nature for what they did to contribute to make this possible.”
Balance of Nature plans to continue to support the Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid and is grateful for what the organization brought to the Rebuild with Resilience Fair. The Greenleaf Humanitarian Aid plans to provide more resources to those affected by natural disasters in the future.
