LA County District holds two outreach efforts

Care for Humanity

In partnership with the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, the district conducted the Care for Humanity event at the Los Angeles Congregation Chapel parking compound on 141 North Union Avenue.

Officers of the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) prepared 150 care packages filled with groceries and other essentials, which were distributed to the beneficiaries.      

Among the beneficiaries were several schools in Los Angeles County and nearby areas that faced economic hardships after destructive wildfires earlier this year damaged many structures and homes. One of these schools was Odyssey Charter Schools in Altadena, California, which was severely affected by the Eaton Fire last January, leading to the tragic loss and destruction of its South Campus.

To support the school’s efforts to rebuild and reopen its campuses, Brother De Dios together with the ministers and ministerial workers of the district, presented the Odyssey Charter Schools with a $2,000 financial donation from the Church.

Melissa Herrera, Director of Food Services, received the donation on behalf of the school. In an interview, she said, “The generous donation from the Church will directly support our recovery and rebuilding efforts, helping us replace lost classroom materials, rebuild our libraries, upgrade classroom technology, and improve our playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces. So, we thank you.”

District CFO overseer Brother Pierre Cardin Perez stated, “This activity is in fulfillment of God’s will, based on the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ written in the Holy Scriptures, which teach us to love one another and help those in need.” 

Blood donation

The blood donation activity, which took place at the LA Congregation’s function hall, was conducted in coordination with the LifeStream Blood Bank.

“We were very pleased with the blood donation drive and with the donors’ willingness to share this life-saving gift,” said Ericka Casillas, regional account manager of LifeStream Blood Bank. “Seventy-five donors registered, including 20 first-time donors; 70 units were collected. The drive gave 210 people another tomorrow!”

“I wanted to donate because it’s one way to help others in need,” said Jade Ann Diaz from the Local Congregation of Pasadena. “Through the activity, I felt I could do something meaningful—one donation can make a big difference and even save a life. It’s also my small way of showing love and unity with the Church’s humanitarian efforts.”

Adrienne Nicole Feliciano from the Local Congregation of Los Angeles shared, “I’ve been wanting to donate blood and I was blessed to be able to do so this year. It was important to me because it’s my way of helping others and contributing what I can.”

“The objective of the district in conducting such activity was to help our fellowmen, especially those in need of blood for surgeries and transfusions. We also hope that this activity serves to introduce and demonstrate the Christian values upheld in the Church,” said Brother Andrew Macadangdang, resident minister of the San Fernando Valley Congregation. — With reports from district multimedia