Our Bureau
Los Angeles, CA
As the Palisades, Eaton and other fires continue to devastate communities across the Los Angeles area, the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir through its charitable arm BAPS Charities, has stepped forward to provide critical relief and recovery support to thousands of displaced families. In collaboration with local authorities, emergency response teams, and mutual aid organizations, BAPS Charities is ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Among the dedicated volunteers leading the charge are Yogin Patel and his wife, Hetal Patel—evacuees from Pasadena themselves. Despite being displaced by the fires, they have channeled their energy into helping others in need.
“We know firsthand how overwhelming it feels to leave everything behind,” said Yogin Patel. “That’s why we wanted to give back. Volunteering with BAPS and BAPS Charities has allowed us to turn our personal challenge into a way to support others.”
Hetal Patel shared, “Even though we are facing uncertainty, it gives us strength to be part of something bigger. Every supply delivered, every person helped, is a step closer to rebuilding our community.”
Since the fires erupted, within 24 hours BAPS Charities launched its #SOCALSTRONG relief efforts and deployed teams of volunteers to procure and deploy essential supplies to resource hubs, evacuation centers, and first responders. BAPS Charities also dispatch volunteers to the field to support shelters and organizations in their efforts.
To further amplify efforts, BAPS Charities has conducted a “Wildfire Donation & Volunteer Drive” on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at its Los Angeles headquarters at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Chino Hills, CA. In addition to procuring items, community members donated thousands of high-priority items. Since January 9th, the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir through its charitable arm BAPS Charities, has donated the following items to 15 shelters and resource centers in the Los Angeles and Pasadena/Altadena area:
“The road to recovery will be long, but standing together as a community makes it possible,” said Yogin Patel. “The BAPS Hindu Mandir and BAPS Charities embody that spirit of unity and service, and we’re proud to be part of this effort.”
Donations were made across 15 sites in the Los Angeles, Pasadena and Altadena area. Donation sites include: It’s Bigger Than Us, Pasadena Convention Center, Nativo, The Good Karma Los Angeles, Dena Donation Center, Inner City Struggle, Los Angeles City Council Distribution Center, NoRes Gourmet, Holy Assembly Church, West Angeles Church, Tarzana Fire Station, Snoop Dogg’s Snoopy Clothing Store Distribution Center, Los Angeles County Altadena Drive, Friendship Church, Altadena Girls, East Valley YMCA, Westchester Los Angeles City Council Distribution Center.
BAPS Charities urges the community to join the relief efforts by donating or volunteering. Contributions will directly support the purchase of critical supplies and long-term recovery efforts for wildfire victims and first responders.
Visit BAPS Charities website to donate or learn more about upcoming initiatives.
BAPS Charities is the charitable arm of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (LA Hindu Temple) in Chino Hills, CA off the 71 freeway. Working in five key areas, BAPS Charities aims to express a spirit of selfless service through Health Awareness, Educational Services, Humanitarian Relief, Environmental Protection & Preservation, and Community Empowerment.
