LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As devastating fires continue to ravage Greater Los Angeles, the Volunteer Ministers of Scientology Churches and Missions across L.A. County are providing critical support to those affected. From offering essential supplies to emotional support, the Volunteer Ministers are stepping up to assist individuals and families in their time of need.

From their headquarters at the bright yellow tent at the Church of Scientology at 4810 Sunset Blvd., just west of Vermont, Volunteer Ministers deploy to deliver supplies and provide service to those requesting help. The tent is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Donations of essential supplies such as water, nonperishable food, blankets, bedding, and hygiene items are urgently needed and can be dropped off at the tent. With the magnitude of the disaster, anyone wishing to volunteer is welcome and needed.

A 24/7 hotline is also available: call (323) 953-3240 for resources and assistance or to volunteer. Individuals are encouraged to call the hotline or visit the site to learn how they can help.

Volunteer Minister Shares a Firsthand Account

Alberto trained as a Scientology Volunteer Minister by completing the 19 online Scientology Tools for Life courses, available free of charge in 19 languages.

He hit the ground running as soon as the fires began and shares his perspective about being a volunteer in times like these.

"I have seen the pain and heard people crying, heartbroken over the loss of their belongings. I've heard the frustration, but I have also witnessed the courage and bravery of people who, despite having lost absolutely everything, say 'I will rise from this.'

"It's important for people to help because it makes us more human and creates solidarity with those going through hardship," Alberto says. "Supporting each other in these moments helps us grow as a community. Standing together raises our consciousness to understand that misfortune doesn't discriminate based on race, color, or social status. It's important that people help not because they have excess to give, but out of humanity.

"For me, being a Volunteer Minister has helped me understand pain and connect with those who suffer—not just by being a shoulder to cry on and listening to their stories, but by trying to find solutions to the problems they face. It has taught me that it's not enough to view the problem from the outside; you must become one with those who are afflicted and suffering.

"Being a Volunteer Minister has taught me not to simply say 'I'm sorry for what you're going through,' but rather 'count on me.' For me, being a Volunteer Minister isn't a job_—it's responding to a calling in life."

How to Help

Learning of the unprecedented disaster affecting Los Angeles, Volunteer Ministers from around the world have been contacting the Volunteer Ministers international headquarters to help. One Volunteer Minister from France has just arranged to fly to Los Angeles to help for the next two months. But those wishing to help do not have to be trained Volunteer Ministers. Trained or not, everyone's help is welcomed and there is so much work to be done.

The bright yellow tent at 4810 Sunset Blvd., just west of Vermont, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for people to drop off supplies or simply show up to help. The Volunteer Ministers hotline at (323) 953-3240 is available 24/7 throughout this emergency for anyone needing assistance or wishing to help.

The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world's largest independent relief forces.

A Volunteer Minister's mandate is to be "a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Their creed: "A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well." Their motto is no matter the circumstances, "Something can be done about it."

For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister, watch Scientology Tools for Life and the documentary Operation: Do Something About It on the Scientology Network on DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv.

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. David Miscavige is Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.

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SOURCE Church of Scientology International