As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, devastating communities and displacing thousands, Jennifer Garner is stepping up to help children cope with the trauma of the disaster. A longtime ambassador and board member for Save the Children, Garner has years of experience aiding disaster relief efforts nationwide. With the crisis hitting her home state of California, her work has taken on an even deeper meaning.
"Save the Children did this inside of shelters for years as part of our disaster relief. I've witnessed it all over the country. It's crazy that it's in my own backyard now," said Garner, 52, in an emotional interview with NBC News while showcasing her latest efforts in partnership with Project: Camp.
The collaboration focuses on creating pop-up camps that provide trauma-informed care for children affected by the fires. "Therapy for them is play," Garner explained. "This is therapy for these kids. This is exactly what they need."
In addition to offering children moments of joy and normalcy, the camps give parents critical space to address urgent concerns, such as housing and schooling. "Everyone is just trying to give children a little bit of joy and normalcy — if that's at all possible," Garner shared.
A Personal Connection to the Crisis
As a mother of three and a Palisades resident for over 25 years, Garner has acutely felt the wildfires' impact. "I feel guilty that my home has gone unscathed," she admitted, adding that she lost a friend who "didn't get out in time."
Beyond her work with Save the Children and Project: Camp, Garner has volunteered with World Central Kitchen to aid those displaced by the fires. The actress described her heartbreak for her city but also expressed hope, saying, "I've seen the resilience that shows up, and I've seen the good that shows up."
A Community in Crisis
The Palisades Fire erupted on January 7 in the Santa Monica Mountains and has quickly become one of the most destructive wildfires in the region's history. By January 10, the blaze had consumed over 25,000 acres, with 0% containment reported. Fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, the fires have forced over 150,000 residents to evacuate and destroyed at least 1,500 structures.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the situation "unprecedented," highlighting how the flames spread from 10 acres to 200 acres in just 12 minutes. Iconic landmarks and countless homes have been lost, including those of high-profile residents like Tina Knowles-Lawson, Adam Brody, Paris Hilton, and Anthony Hopkins.
The fires have claimed 24 lives, left many injured, and caused an estimated $50 billion in economic losses. First responders and volunteers like Garner work tirelessly to support their communities despite the destruction.
"I Have a Job Today"
For Garner, helping others amid tragedy has been both a mission and a coping mechanism. "I'm grateful to have somewhere to be and to have this work to do," she said. "This is my job today. I have something to do today."
With her hands-on approach and heartfelt dedication, Garner continues to provide solace to children and families struggling with unimaginable loss.