The devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles just weeks before the 2025 Grammy Awards left an indelible mark on the city and its entertainment industry. With at least 29 lives lost, 16,000 structures reduced to ashes, and thousands of families displaced, the scale of the disaster demanded a collective response. The Grammys, traditionally a celebration of music and achievement, became a platform for resilience and community support. PEOPLE Magazine, in collaboration with sister publications Entertainment Weekly and InStyle, and beauty giant Neutrogena, stepped up to aid the recovery efforts, recognizing the profound impact of the fires on the city’s spirit and economy.
Entertainment Industry Rallies for Los Angeles
The entertainment industry, often associated with glitz and glamour, demonstrated its capacity for compassion in the face of tragedy. Recognizing that tourism plays a vital role in Los Angeles’ economic well-being, the 2025 Grammy Awards featured a poignant tribute to the city. Musical powerhouses like John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and Chris Martin graced the stage, lending their voices and talents to honor those affected by the fires and to inspire hope amidst the devastation. This powerful performance underscored the interconnectedness of the entertainment community and the city it calls home.
Beyond the symbolic gestures, concrete action was needed to address the immediate needs of those affected by the fires. Adam Burke, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, emphasized the critical role of tourism in the city’s recovery. “In moments like these, tourism does more than drive our economy—it becomes a lifeline in supporting our community’s recovery,” Burke stated. This sentiment resonated deeply within the entertainment industry, prompting a collaborative effort to provide tangible assistance.
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PEOPLE Magazine Leads the Charge: 2,000 Hygiene Kits for Families in Need
PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, and InStyle, recognizing the urgency of the situation, partnered with Neutrogena to provide essential aid to displaced families. The initiative focused on assembling and distributing 2,000 personal hygiene kits through Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization with a long history of responding to emergencies. The kits contained essential toiletries and personal care items, providing a measure of comfort and dignity to those who had lost everything.
More than 120 staff members from the three publications, along with their families and friends, gathered at PEOPLE’s Los Angeles offices on February 1st to participate in the packing and distribution efforts. This heartwarming display of solidarity transformed the workplace into a hub of humanitarian activity. The volunteer effort not only provided much-needed supplies but also fostered a sense of community among those who participated.
A Collective Effort: From Helplessness to Hope
Elizabeth Leonard, PEOPLE’s managing executive editor and West Coast bureau chief, described the initiative as a meaningful and humbling experience. “Everyone happily got to work, grateful to be a part of such a meaningful, fun and humbling effort,” Leonard shared. The sentiment was echoed by Patrick Gomez, editor-in-chief of Entertainment Weekly, who brought 17 friends to join the cause. “So many of us felt helpless through the fires, and together we were able to feel helpful,” Gomez remarked. He added that the shared experience of volunteering also strengthened bonds within the group. “Having so many friends show up was also community building on its own.”
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Beyond the Grammys: Sustaining Support for Los Angeles
The collective response to the Los Angeles wildfires extended beyond the Grammy Awards and the immediate relief efforts. The entertainment industry’s commitment to rebuilding the community highlighted the importance of sustained support in the aftermath of a disaster. The collaboration between PEOPLE, its sister publications, Neutrogena, and Direct Relief exemplified the power of partnerships in amplifying impact and reaching those in need.
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How You Can Help Los Angeles Recover
The recovery process following a disaster of this magnitude is a long and arduous journey. While significant progress has been made, the need for ongoing support remains. Individuals can contribute to the rebuilding efforts by donating to organizations like Direct Relief, which provides essential resources to communities affected by natural disasters. Volunteering time and resources to local organizations involved in rebuilding efforts is another impactful way to make a difference. By working together, we can help Los Angeles heal and emerge stronger from this challenging experience. For more information on how you can contribute to the recovery, visit directrelief.org. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of those affected by the devastating wildfires. The spirit of Hollywood shines brightest when it unites to overcome adversity, and the road to recovery is paved with compassion, resilience, and collective action.
