More than $100,000 was raised to replace 2,000 gifts bags destroyed in Monday’s fire downtown, but Mayor Eric Garcetti and his wife asked the public today to keep giving so 4,500 seniors who get home- delivered meals also get holiday gifts.
The money for replacement gifts, including blankets, slippers, toiletries, postage stamps and playing cards, was raised within a day of the mayor’s wife, Amy Elaine Wakeland, asking for donations.
Among the donations was an anonymously $50,000 gift. The mayor and his wife donated the first 25 gifts, each valued at $40.30. A website for making donations also has an option for buying a half gift bag for $20.15.
“This outpouring of support for our neighbors in need shows that L.A. is truly a city of Angels,” Wakeland said.
“There are many more seniors who need our help, so let’s keep up the momentum and brighten the holidays for more
people who could use some basic necessities and cheer.”
Wakeland said she is hoping Angelenos can reach the new goal of donating enough to pay for care packages to give to all 4,500 homebound seniors who receive meals through the Department of Aging program.
The public can make donations until Dec. 16 to the website http://mayorsfundla.org/donate . The gifts still need to be assembled so thatthey could be distributed before the Christmas or New Year’s holiday.
“These aren’t luxury gifts – these are basic necessities that can really help people out,” Wakeland said. “I urge all Angelenos to join the Mayor and me by making a contribution to help our neighbors this holiday season.”
The original 2,000 gifts, to be distributed this week, were damaged by radiant heat from the inferno at the under-construction DaVinci apartments. At least 300 windows on one city-owned office tower were damaged or destroyed by
heat so intense aluminum street signs along the Harbor (110) Freeway melted.
The gifts were collected as part of the Department of Aging’s Project CARE and donated by city employees and others.
