Meghan Markle Lends a Hand to Teen Girls Affected by Eaton Fire with Donations: 'Having Her Support Is Unreal'

Mar. 15, 2025

Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery/Instagram

PEOPLE understands that the Duchess of Sussex lent her support to the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery group on Jan. 13, an organization she andPrince Harryhave contributed to through their Archewell Foundation.

She arrived with new clothing, beauty products and lunch for the volunteers. Meghan directly engaged with families as they visited, helping the girls with shopping, sharing conversations and providing much-needed support throughout the visit.

The Duchess of Sussex was spotted in a reel that the group shared toInstagramon Jan. 15, which showed volunteers at work in a warehouse full of products. It rolled to show footage of Meghan having a chat with someone one-on-one, where she wore a black Los Angeles baseball cap and held two full tote bags on her arms.

“And thank you to everyone who showed up on Monday, which was such a special day! We love you!” Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery captioned the clip on Instagram.

Prince Harry and Meghan take a discreet approach to their site visits, prioritizing meaningful. Contrary to some reports, the Duke and Duchess do not bring videographers or photographers along, instead focusing on directly supporting communities and the ongoing relief efforts.

Prince Harry (left) and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (right) at a home destroyed in Altadena on Jan. 10, 2025.Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty

Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty

The Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery Group revealed that the Archewell Foundation contributed to its mission in a Jan. 14Instagram, sharing “special thanks” to Harry and Meghan’s charity.

“We are official! We can now accept donations directly to our organization and make sure that all of these funds get RIGHT to the community where it’s needed! So many of you have set up your own Venmos and stuff to gather money for us and we are so grateful. A special thanks to The Archewell Foundation for your support!” the message said.

“Even just meeting her is life-changing! Having her support is unreal,” a representative from the relief group said.

The group gained traction on social media (which Meghanrecently rejoinedwith a namesake Instagram page) and the hub’s first day of shopping for those in need was Monday.

The Duchess of Sussex was born and raised in Los Angeles, and she and Prince Harry live further north of L.A. in the Santa Barbara enclave of Montecito with their kids,Prince Archie, 5 andPrincess Lilibet, 3.

Meghan Markle in Altadena on Jan. 10, 2025.Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty

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PEOPLE confirmed on Jan. 10 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussexopened their hometo friends and loved ones forced to evacuate, and the couple traveled south to volunteer in Pasadena that day.

It’s understood that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are working to identify the most effective ways to support the community during the crisis, as the wildfires continue to ravage. Over 40,000 acres have been burned with 24 fatalities reported, according toCal Fireon Jan. 15.

Click hereto learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

source: people.com