Melaleuca Contributes Even More to Los Angeles Wildfires

Firefighters in Glendale, California received Melaleuca products to distribute.

Ever since wildfires broke out across Southern California earlier this month, the thoughts and prayers of Americans have been with the victims of the devastating blazes. Soon after the fires began spreading, Melaleuca immediately began the first round of relief efforts, sending a variety of products to the firefighters and other first responders working to contain the flames and dealing with other related emergencies.

The Melaleuca Foundation contacted National Director 9 Brittney McLaughlin and her husband Kellen, who is a Fire Captain/Paramedic in the Glendale Fire Department. Captain McLaughlin was instrumental in helping to get the products to the first responders who most needed them, all while fulfilling his demanding tasks in coordinating the firefighting efforts within his stewardship.

“It’s an honor to work alongside my fellow first responders in this effort,” Captain McLaughlin stated. “It’s incredible and also humbling to see so many people from outside the city coming to help—we’ve needed it.

“On a lighter note,” he added, “it’s been fun to see the other firefighters using Melaleuca products. The hours are long, the work is tough, and that little boost from the products goes a long way.”

Those products included Sustain Active Electrolyte Hydration, Proflex Protein Bars, Koala Kubs Baby Wipes, Energy Shots, and Activate-C to keep the firefighters hydrated, fed, and energized, and to ensure they could work with clean hands and faces. The products were delivered to the Glendale Fire Department, where they were then distributed to firefighters and other first responders who would need them.

A Second Wave of Products for Firefighters

Additionally, Melaleuca arranged for a second round of products to travel with a group of Idaho firefighters and first responders who drove to Los Angeles to help with fire containment efforts.

Some of the Melaleuca products sent to the Los Angeles firefighters.

Serving Communities

Through the Pasadena Sierra Madre YMCA, Melaleuca donated thousands of personal hygiene products to help families displaced by their fire, those who lost their homes, and those who are trying to help.

After speaking with YMCA program director Sheena Inman, who is leading a community drive, Melaleuca sent baby wipes, diaper crème, baby supplies, laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, and other personal care products to help.

“The Pasadena Sierra Madre YMCA appreciates the generous donation from Melaleuca, which sent so many hard-to-find personal hygiene products after the LA wildfires for the families we serve,” said Inman. They really listened to our needs, especially those for our babies and children, and immediately sent what was requested. Although I don’t know very much about this company, I know they care about our community.”

Melaleuca was happy to donate to Eaton Fire victims through the Pasadena Sierra Madre YMCA.

Serving Those in Shelters

The Wellness Company also sent healthy snack bars to families and individuals staying across the American Red Cross shelters throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

As of this writing, 768 people are staying in 12 American Red Cross shelters today throughout the region, and the nonprofit has served more than 5,650 victims with over 400 volunteers since the wildfires started. And this number is likely to increase as the need skyrockets.

“Thank you to Melaleuca for moving quickly and sending healthy snacks to support the California wildfire response,” said Bryce Sitter, American Red Cross development officer. “Melaleuca was one of my first calls for help, because this company repeatedly steps up to help those in need.”

Melaleuca sent products to the American Red Cross warehouse in Bell, California to be distributed to local shelters.

Melaleuca Customers Deal with Devastation and Loss of Homes

Melaleuca reached out to many customers and Marketing Executives affected by the fires to provide financial assistance and products where needed.

One customer who Melaleuca contacted had only one hour after the evacuation order to pack what she needed and figure out what else was worth saving before leaving her home. Four hours later, her home had been completely consumed by the flames. She recalled watching the feed from her doorbell camera and seeing embers in the trees before the video cut out.

Once it was safe, the customer returned to her property to find a pile of ashen debris where her home once stood. But she noticed that her statue of the Virgin Mary, though charred, was still standing with arms outstretched. Recognizing that she was witnessing something miraculous, the customer snapped a quick picture and shared it with Melaleuca.

Melaleuca was happy to provide her with funds to take care of her immediate needs. “Please thank everyone for the help,” she said in regard to Melaleuca’s financial assistance.

The home of a Melaleuca customer after the Palisades Fire.

“One of the Most Destructive Natural Disasters”

Though the smaller fires have been contained, firefighters are still working to contain the two largest fires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, which have burned more than 23,000 and 14,000 acres, respectively. In total, all the fires during this event have burned an area the size of San Francisco. The Eaton Fire alone has destroyed more than 7,000 structures, making it the second most destructive fire in California history, after the Camp Fire of 2018. It is also currently the fifth deadliest fire in the state’s history.