Keyanna Bowen
Its been months since flames engulfed the city of Los Angeles.
For Ciara Benko, who lost her childhood home, its finally starting to sink in.
I was like, Don’t think about it too much.
Credit:Keyanna Bowen
And now, we just have to sit with it.
A lot of people said Yes, even if it was just discounts or it was full replacements.
Her dad is an avid biker, and his beloved bike was among what was lost.
Credit:David Land
She sent it to me, and I started sobbing, Benko says.
Theyd pour some wine, and look through it all.
Affected individuals and families can walk through and gather what they need.
Credit:Adam Albright
But as the impact spread, he decided to pivot and transform their showroom into a donation center.
All of that furniture has to go somewhere, and so people donated it, Benko explains.
Everybody that worked there was all in the entertainment business.
Theyre all set designers, set decorators, and runners who run stuff back and forth.
Every Zello support family that signs up gets a $10K credit toward furniture.
Add your name to the donation listhere.
Just last week, they hooked a family up with a piano!
If you need furniture or have furniture to donate, email info@dclutterfly.com for a form.
it’s possible for you to hit up the team by emailing help@hotelsurplus.com.
The LA-based company is offering consultations throughout 2025, so you might schedule a session whenever youre ready.
You go through kind of a whole exercise where it’s like, What’s your design aesthetic?
Is it rustic ormidcentury?, Benko says.
And then they ask about what interior designers you follow, or who do you get inspired by?
So they really try hard to match you with someone that’s going to bring your vision to life.
Replacements and Discounts
At the time of publication, these are a few organizations offering discounted items.
Reach out to their customer service teams for more information.
She had to persuade them to accept these free donations and offerings, reminding them they were in need.
If this resonates, remember people want to and are able to help.
Check in on your friends and neighbors.
Check in on your friends and neighbors, Benko says.
I think what actually it does is make them feel loved and supported and creates a safe space.
Its going to be a really long time until we’re all able to move on … or have someone to vent to.
I think that’s my best piece of advice, is just be there for each other.
