LINDALE Texas (KETK) – Love Mercy International, a Lindale based nonprofit, is continuing their efforts to help those struggling after the Los Angeles Fires. The organization offers relief to victims of natural disasters locally and internationally.
John Talenga, a member of Love Mercy International, is going above and beyond to help those in California.
Talenga instantly knew he had to do something to help those impacted. While thousands of lives have been turned upside down in California and changed for the worst, Talenga is making a major change in his life to help others by moving him and his family to California.
“When the fires of Los Angeles happened, I just knew that if it was possible, I wanted to step up” Talenga said.
He said the past month’s devastation, especially those who lost their homes is heartbreaking.
“There are 16,000 homes that were impacted and over 37,000 acres were burned down,” Talenga said. “It just makes your heart sink because you realize that there’s been such a great amount of loss.”
Love Mercy International Director Debbie Lascelles led a team that served in California for a week offering emotional and spiritual support to those in need. While also providing physical needs such as assisting in food, water and relief distribution.
Lascelles spoke about how visual the destruction is and how overwhelming it was for her to take in.
“When you go there, it really looks like a war zone I mean, street after street, it just looks bombed out,” Lascelles said. “It’s very overwhelming visually.”
Lascelles and her team focused their work on Altadena, Calif., a place hit hard with thousands of houses destroyed. Love Mercy International is asking for donations for the team, especially vans and trailers, to assist in moving the resources in California.
Lascelles said that the nonprofit is still accepting donations for victims.
“We’re receiving donations for the people of California for things like basic necessities, food, diapers, that kind of thing,” Lascelles said. “100% donations given to a project like that. as always, with love, mercy, go right to the people in need.”
Those wanting to help LMI’s relief efforts can donate on their website.