Los Angeles is no stranger to adversity. From social unrest to a global pandemic, the city has faced its share of challenges. Now, as wildfires impact communities across the region, a familiar force for good is stepping up: WalkGood LA. This vital community organization, founded by Sheryl Lee Ralph‘s children, Etienne Maurice and Ivy Coco Maurice, along with their cousin, Marley Ralph, is once again proving its commitment to serving Angelenos in times of need.
What began as a space for healing and community during the Black Lives Matter movement and the early days of COVID-19 has evolved into a vital resource. WalkGood LA, known for its focus on wellness through yoga, meditation, and community gatherings, has transformed its studio, The WalkGood Yard, into a donation center for those affected by the fires.
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A Beacon of Support in Mid-City
Located at 4019 W Pico Blvd in Mid-City, The WalkGood Yard will open its doors as a donation hub starting today, January 10th, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, through Sunday. This initiative, announced yesterday on WalkGood LA’s Instagram, is a collaboration with The Getty House Foundation, ensuring a steady flow of essential supplies to those in need.
How You Can Contribute
WalkGood LA is calling on the community to contribute the following items:
- Non-perishable food: Stock up on items like canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruit.
- Bottled water: Hydration is crucial, especially during emergencies.
- Protective masks: Ensuring respiratory health in smoky conditions.
- Gift cards: Providing flexibility for individuals to purchase what they need most.
WalkGood LA volunteers will personally distribute the collected gift cards at evacuation shelters, directly reaching those impacted by the fires.
Stay Updated on Urgent Needs
To ensure your donations are as effective as possible, WalkGood LA has created a live, updated donation list on their website (accessible via the link in their Instagram bio). Checking this list before donating will help prioritize the most urgent needs.
More Than Just Donations
WalkGood LA understands that the impact of these fires goes beyond material needs. The WalkGood Yard will also serve as a refuge for those directly affected:
- Displaced residents, firefighters, first responders, and journalists on the frontlines are welcome to rest and recharge at the studio from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Water, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations will be available.
Supporting from Afar
For those outside of Los Angeles who wish to contribute, WalkGood LA is accepting Amazon gift card claim codes via email at info@walkgoodla.org or physical gift cards mailed to 5042 Wilshire Blvd Suite 411, Los Angeles CA 90036.
From Protest to Resilience: The WalkGood LA Story, a Legacy of Service
WalkGood LA’s roots lie in the summer of 2020, during a time of national reckoning with racial injustice and the onset of a global pandemic. Founded by Etienne Maurice and Ivy Coco Maurice, the organization embodies a legacy of service and community engagement instilled by their mother, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. What started as pre-protest gatherings for breathwork and yoga has blossomed into a powerful community organization dedicated to healing and wellness. With the support of Propel and Michael B. Jordan, the organization now has a permanent home in The WalkGood Yard.
As Los Angeles faces yet another challenge, WalkGood LA’s swift action, driven by the vision of Etienne and Ivy Coco Maurice, demonstrates the power of community and the importance of spaces for healing and support.
Cover photo: WalkGood LA, Founded by Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Children, Transforms Studio into Fire Relief Hub / Credit: Kavi Peshawaria
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