Los Angeles: Singer-actress Selena Gomez has been actively helping those affected by the recent wildfires in Southern California. The star has been distributing food to victims and emergency workers, as well as offering support through her cosmetics company.

Selena shared video footage of her efforts on social media, showing herself wearing a facemask and sorting through boxes of sandwiches. These sandwiches had been donated to help feed those displaced by the fires and the brave emergency workers battling the blazes in areas such as Los Angeles and Malibu.

In one of the videos, she expressed her gratitude for the emergency personnel, posting a clip of first responders with the caption: "Grateful for these individuals."

Gomez’s cosmetics company also stepped in to aid the relief efforts. The brand made generous donations and has been distributing emergency care kits to those affected by the fires.

A statement from the company, shared on their official Instagram, read: "As a brand that was born and grown in Los Angeles, we are devastated to see our local community affected by the recent wildfires across Southern California, displacing families and destroying homes and businesses."

The statement continued with a focus on supporting the local community:  

"We have spent the last few days focused on ensuring the safety of our Los Angeles team and friends who have been impacted, and we are working with local organizations on additional product donations and volunteering efforts."

Supporting first Responders and the community

Gomez’s brand also expressed deep gratitude towards the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and organisations providing essential help on the ground. 

"To all the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and organizations on the ground meeting the ongoing needs of our community, we are forever grateful for your bravery, selflessness, and commitment," it said.

The statement detailed how the brand assembled emergency care kits, filled with essentials for evacuation centres, and made donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and World Central Kitchen, two organisations providing immediate aid to those impacted by the fires.

In addition to physical relief efforts, the brand has continued to support the Rare Impact Fund’s non-profit partners, which focus on providing mental health resources to young people. The statement stressed the importance of offering these services, especially now, more than ever.

"We continue to support the Rare Impact Fund’s non-profit partners, providing mental health support to young people—ensuring that now, more than ever, they have the resources they need," the statement said.

A long journey of healing

Acknowledging the ongoing impact of the wildfires, Gomez’s brand encouraged everyone to continue supporting efforts to rebuild the community.

"We know this will be a long journey of healing and grieving for the place we call home, so we encourage you to keep the momentum in supporting our community to rebuild."

In similar efforts, actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness label, Goop, has also been donating to charity organisations and providing hot meals for emergency workers. Additionally, Goop has been putting together care packages for those affected by the fires.

IANS