A Heartfelt Update in the Wake of the LA Fires
In the family quilt that is Purnell, our patch is sewn into the vibrant, often unpredictable fabric of Southern California. Recently, the region was tested by wildfires that didn't just lick at the edges of wilderness but tore through the heart of communities, leaving scars in their wake.
First off, a huge thanks to our extended family for checking in. Your concern has been the warm embrace we needed. Yes, we're okay, but 'okay' feels like a flimsy word when neighbors and friends are facing the stark reality of loss. Living here means signing up for its wild heart, which sometimes beats in tempests of fire and rain. We've danced with this fire before, sidestepped its flames, and mourned its aftermath. The Thomas fire and Montecito debris flow were our wake-up calls; stark reminders of nature's indifferent might.
This season, as we did our annual inventory tango, it struck us - why play musical storage units when there are needs to be met, hearts to be warmed? Instead of packing away last year's gear, we loaded up the truck and pointed it towards LA, hearts heavy but hopeful.
Our mission found wings thanks to Eric Donaldson, a local hero with volunteerism in his DNA, and LA Councilwoman Traci Park, who helped us navigate the best ways to distribute our donation directly to those impacted. The generosity of their time and effort can't be understated.
Together, we delivered over 1,000 pieces of Purnell clothing. It’s a drop in the bucket against what’s needed, but if our threads can bring a moment of comfort, a semblance of normalcy, it's a step towards healing.
The fires have finally dimmed, yet the road to recovery stretches long ahead. Our contribution is but a stitch in the ever-expanding tapestry of community support. It's a humble effort to clothe hope in a time of despair.
We're reminded in moments like these of what truly matters. It's not just the apparel that defines us but the spirit in which we come together, the resilience we exhibit, and the support we extend. While we may jest about our rugged exteriors and the durability of our gear, our hearts are tender for those who've lost so much. We're here, sleeves rolled up, ready to help our community rebuild, one garment at a time.
In solidarity,
The Purnell Team
