Post Eaton Fire, Altadena Boys Shifts Focus To Youth Mentorship

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Boys quickly mobilized to support youth upended by the destructive Southern California blaze. The organization launched in January with a six-day donation drive that drew a huge community response. Months later, it’s still going strong.

The nonprofit is now looking ahead to the future beyond wildfire recovery—taking shape as a steady source of ongoing support for kids in and around Altadena.

A swift response to the Eaton Fire

Altadena Boys founder and CEO Samantha Mora and her son evacuated as the Eaton Fire approached their Pasadena home in January. Though it was spared, they lived close enough to witness the devastation just up the road in Altadena.

When Mora’s now nine-year-old, Logan, learned that his friend had lost his home in the fire, he didn’t hesitate to offer up his own PC and Xbox. “My son and Eli always game together, whether it’s Fortnite or Roblox,” said the Los Angeles mom. “Of course I wanted to allow him to do that.” 

Instead, she took it further. Inspired by Altadena Girls—which also formed to support Eaton Fire recovery—Mora launched Altadena Boys to uplift kids like Eli. It started with an Instagram post, inviting anyone interested in donating or getting involved to reach out.

Overnight, “my inbox was flooded with different brands, local artists—just a lot of people reaching out, wanting to help,” she told NewsOne. “I launched on a Sunday night and by Monday morning I was already having meetings.”

In less than a week, Mora and her team set up a donation center and Altadena Boys opened the doors to its first pop-up in East Hollywood. The weeklong donation drive was a total success—each day welcoming residents lined up and down the block.

A momentary escape

The donation pop-up was more than a place to stock up on essentials. Kids—boys and girls—got a momentary escape from the reality of the Eaton Fire, which still burned as the donation drive went on.

Families browsed an impressive array of items—everything from basic necessities like shampoo and shaving supplies to clothing, shoes, and even exclusive gear like custom skateboards. An area set up with TVs, toys, board games, and more, gave kids a place to relax and have a little fun.

Evolving with the community

In just a few months, Altadena Boys has scaled quickly. What began as a donation drive in January has evolved with the needs of the community—expanding its focus to the bigger picture as they continue supporting kids affected by the fire.

“Where we’re at right now is kind of like a new reality,” said Mora. “I feel like it’s not something tangible we want to give—more so giving these boys an option where they can think about their futures while their parents are not able to guide them right now.”

With a new storefront in Highland Park, Altadena Boys is transitioning from donation drives to youth empowerment programming. Their next phase will offer mentorships, career development opportunities, skill-building workshops, sports camps, and more. 

With Altadena Boys COO Miles Garber securing brand partnerships with names like Vans, Fender, Marshall, and Supreme, the organization is well-positioned to maintain its momentum with plenty of support behind it.

As a boy mom herself, Mora sees the power in supporting boys and designating this space for them—as Altadena Girls does for girls. “Let’s create this safe space for them, empower them, and just really drive them,” said Mora. “We need to stand up for these boys.”

Empowering youth with a skateboard

LA’s skate community played a major role in shaping the evolution of Altadena Boys. “They reached out and they’ve been helping till this day,” said Mora. “They are our biggest supporters.” 

Skateboarding offers the kids more than a new skill, she explained—it’s a pathway to disciplines like fashion and photography. The goal is to “empower the boys in a creative field” and build their confidence. “We’re able to offer them a new skill and a new hobby,” said Mora. “I’m hoping to spark their creativity with a piece of board.”

Also in Altadena Boys’ future are plans to host pop-ups in other skate-friendly cities like San Francisco and New York. “These cities have vibrant skate, art, and youth communities, but they also face deep gaps in safe spaces for boys to process trauma, build confidence, and connect in meaningful ways,” Mora said. 

“San Francisco and New York City are full of talent and energy, but also isolation and struggle. We want to meet boys where they are and bring our proven model to places where it’s needed just as much.”

Pushing forward with the community behind them

Altadena Boys created a space that the community needed all along. The organization’s growth and ability to expand its programming are made possible by the people who continue to show up and support—whether with their dollars or their time.

“Community showed out, for sure,” said Mora. “They said, ‘Whatever it is, we want to help.’”

Some of the organization’s biggest supporters have been the boys themselves, who help bring each activation to life. 

“They love Altadena Boys and they want to be involved,” said Mora. “We’re lucky to be a part of their lives and guide them. This generation is insane. These boys are so smart.”

SEE ALSO:

Altadena Residents Are Ready To Rebuild, But Permit Delays Present Yet Another Hurdle

Altadena Residents Rebuild, But Luxury Developers Could Stop Them In Their Tracks