California chief service officer praises volunteer surge, urges donations at Pasadena resource center

Josh Friday, California's chief service officer, said at a Pasadena disaster resource center that volunteers and California Service Corps members are helping residents affected by recent Southern California fires and urged donations and volunteer time.

"Well, it's obviously, been horrific and horrendous what we've experienced here in Southern California. But as our hearts break with the disaster, our spirits are being lifted by the fact that people are stepping up in such tremendous ways to serve each other and help each other," Friday said, describing the newly opened Pasadena disaster resource center where people are signing up for resources and assistance.

The resource center is providing immediate needs and referrals, Friday said, including help with rental support, mental health services and supplies. "They need everything from immediate assistance, to help, with rental support. Sometimes they need mental health support. Sometimes they need supplies," he said. Friday said California Service Corps members are working alongside community volunteers.

Friday urged Californians and others to contribute money, donations or volunteer time. "We have so many people that are coming out and and making meals for for their neighbors, helping those, who have lost everything, get back on their feet. And we're, acting and moving with urgent speed to to make sure that we're providing all the resources necessary to those that have been impacted by these fires," he said. He directed people to the state volunteer website, rendered in the interview as "californians for all dot ca.gov." The comparable statewide volunteer portal is CaliforniansForAll.ca.gov.

Friday named examples of places people can volunteer, including the LA Food Bank and YMCA distribution sites, and asked viewers to thank first responders and volunteers. "People can give. They can go to californians for all dot ca.gov. They can give their time to volunteer, at places like the LA Food Bank or the Lion CA or distribution centers. They can give money. They can give thanks to our first responders and all of our volunteers," he said.

The remarks were made during an on-location interview at the Pasadena disaster resource center; the exchange consisted of interview questions and Friday's responses and did not include formal actions by a public body. Friday described community-led meal preparation and volunteer efforts as immediate relief activities and emphasized the need for continued donations and volunteers to support recovery.

Californians seeking to help should verify hours and drop-off procedures with local distribution partners and use the official state portal for coordinated volunteer registration and donation guidance.