In response to the devastating fires in Southern California, Legislator Ricky Frazier and local churches in the City of Rochester joined forces to provide support for those affected by accepting donations. Through a coordinated effort, local churches called on congregations and other ministries to contribute donations, which will be sent to churches in California to provide relief for those affected by the wildfires. One of the designated ministries is First AME Church in Pasadena, CA, a historic church established in 1887. First, AME Church has had a long history of supporting the diverse and vibrant community it serves. On January 7th, a fire erupted in Altadena. Fueled by an extreme windstorm that ignited several wildfires simultaneously in different parts of Los Angeles and its adjacent counties, the blaze quickly spread over approximately 14,000 acres, leaving behind charred debris.
The Eaton Fire affected the community in Altadena, California, in 2025. The fire destroyed more than 1,000 structures and resulted in at least five fatalities. It also damaged or destroyed many homes and businesses. The fire impacted Altadena’s history and diversity. The community developed after the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and was an area where residents could achieve generational prosperity. It represented a history of acceptance and diversity. “As a person whom a fire has personally impacted, I can not imagine what it would be like to lose a whole community,” stated Ricky Frazier. “I’m asking churches to consider the following:
One. Pray for those impacted by the fires.
Two. Consider gathering a special offering for those impacted by the fires to a 501c3 organization listed below:
First AME Church 1700 N Reynolds Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103 Designate: Fire Relief Fund with all transactions CashApp: $FirstAMEPasadenaGivelify: First AME Church
God’s Hands & Feet Global Ministry
PO Box 92202
Pasadena, CA 91109-2202
Designate: Fire Relief Fund with all transactions
CashApp: $FirstAMEPasadena
Givelify: God’s Hands & Feet Global Ministry Pasadena,
CA 91109
Three. Mail letters and cards of encouragement to those
serving this impacted community and to those who have
lost homes or experienced property damage from the
fires.
Churches throughout the Rochester area have committed to accepting donations and offering assistance to those in need, including but not limited to: Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, First Genesis Baptist Church, Greater Harvest Church, and Memorial AME Zion Church. Please join in blessing ours during this challenging time. As it says in the book of Luke (chapter 6, verse 38), “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” If your church, community organization, or friend group would like to join in giving, Legislator Frazier can be reached at LegislatorFrazier@gmail.com with any questions.
