L.A. Boutique Transforms Into Fire Relief Pop-Up, Finds A-List Support From Sharon Stone, Halle Berry

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Jenna Cooper couldn’t sleep.

Numerous residents of Los Angeles, including experienced realtor Cooper, were sleepless due to the heart-wrenching sight of the unforeseen wildfires destroying their city. The thought of all the people who had lost their homes filled her with anxiety and despair.

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Numerous Angelenos, like seasoned real estate agent Cooper, struggled to sleep amidst the shocking destruction caused by the unexpected wildfires sweeping through the city. Watching as countless fellow residents lost everything brought on feelings of concern and hopelessness for her.

The Compass agent stated, “I felt queasy and wide-awake, being barely miles from the devastation. I found myself pondering, ‘What on earth can I do?’ The client we’re assisting had lost their home, and a colleague was heading to Target for necessities. There’s an urgent need for supplies, and there are those ready to shop or donate. So, I realized I have the resources to set something up in response.

In response to the fire crisis, Cooper swiftly converted her unique home goods store located on Beverly Boulevard, known as +COOP, into a temporary aid center. Here, individuals impacted by the fires could visit without cost and pick out essential items at their convenience.

Since my office is located upstairs and I have some extra room in my store, I decided to clear out space for donations,” Cooper explained. “Our community is generous, so we’re essentially giving away items from our own closets.” They arranged the area to give it a curated feel. The Red Cross is wonderful, but this allows us to help our community in a unique way, making them feel comfortable and providing what they need. Feel free to come in, take whatever you want or let us know what you require, and we’ll find it for you.

Cooper and her compact workforce subsequently gained significant backing due to Sharon Stone and Halle Berry. On a Thursday, these influential figures employed their substantial social media presence to issue a call for action and assistance.

Stone invited everyone on Instagram to visit for some shopping if they had been affected by a fire. She specified that she was particularly in need of items such as second-hand jeans, jackets, clothing, shoes, and gloves, new undergarments and socks, and gift cards of any kind.

Berry urged her nine million followers, ‘I’m clearing out my entire wardrobe and heading to the COOP! If you reside in Southern California, I strongly recommend you do the same. This is an immediate action we can take to aid families who are displaced and in urgent need of essentials today. Kudos to Sharon Stone for her leadership. Sending love, Sharon!’

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A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry)

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A post shared by Sharon Stone (@sharonstone)

Cooper shared that she has a past connection with Stone, but it was Berry’s additional information that came as a delightful shock. The “overwhelming” assistance has been truly inspiring, and the store buzzed with activity throughout the day, as both teenagers and adults flocked in to lend a hand, deliver items or collect goods for friends.

Cooper, who transitioned from the entertainment industry to real estate, said with a mix of humility and confidence, “We’re compact yet potent.” She has deep connections in areas like Pacific Palisades, where she not only sells properties but also counts many friends among its residents. “I could use more room,” she admitted, “it’s quite a dynamic setup.” For the time being, she intends to keep her business running through Sunday, but she emphasized her adaptability and is ready to change course as circumstances require. “It’s all a work in progress,” she concluded.

So far, I’ve been deeply touched not only by the outpouring of support but also by the heart-wrenching stories of those in need. “I met a man who had just lost his home,” I shared. “He was visibly shaken, and the only things he grabbed were a beach towel and a pair of running shoes. He said he just wanted to go for a run on the beach because that’s what he used to do every day. Hearing about people’s comfort needs really struck a chord with me. It made everything worthwhile. There are so many who need assistance but don’t know how to ask. These personal connections are invaluable. We aim to convey, ‘We’re here for you, we care for you, and we’re sorry for what you’ve been through.’ That’s the essence of our mission.

Cooper stated that she recognizes the pop-up isn’t addressing significant issues during this ongoing destruction, but if we can ensure the next three days are as comfortable as possible, that’s all we can manage. Being just one person, I’m doing my best to concentrate in the most effective way I can.

For anyone experiencing similar feelings of despair as she did just a few nights back, here’s some guidance: “Seek out a support system and do whatever is necessary to ensure their wellbeing.

Since Tuesday, Los Angeles has been hit by a string of devastating wildfires. The Eaton Fire, which started near Pasadena on Tuesday evening, has destroyed over 5,000 buildings so far. In Pacific Palisades, the most destructive and largest fire within the city, has demolished around 5,300 structures, scorching through approximately 19,000 acres and still growing. At least five deaths have been confirmed, but officials warn that further fatalities may be reported as investigations continue in all affected areas.

Ultimately, when requested to explain the destruction and emotional impact of the fires, Cooper responded briefly, saying, “There aren’t any words. No words, full stop.

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2025-01-10 06:24