Meghan Markle has continued to offer her support to the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, despite some critics questioning her intentions.
On Monday, the Duchess of Sussex quietly volunteered her time and resources with Altadena Teen Girls, an organization founded by 14-year-old Avery Colvert, which aims to “restore normalcy” for teenage victims of the fires.
Markle, 43, arrived at a pop-up event in Boyle Heights with bags filled with new clothing and beauty products for the girls. She also provided lunch for all the volunteers and was seen interacting with families, offering support and helping the teens sort through donations.
A few days later, the foundation shared behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram, briefly showing Markle. She kept a low profile in all-black workout gear and an “LA” baseball cap.
In the video, Markle was seen carrying two full totes while talking with Colvert, who had previously shared her mission with the Los Angeles Times. Colvert, whose school was destroyed in the fires, explained that she wanted to help girls who had lost their homes feel like themselves again and regain confidence.
The foundation’s goal was to gather clothes, beauty and hair care products, and other personal items to help the teens thrive during these difficult circumstances.
Markle wasn’t the only celebrity to support the initiative. Paris Hilton, Charli XCX, Max Greenfield, and Markle’s close friend Mindy Kaling also contributed. Additionally, Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, made an undisclosed financial donation to the cause, with Altadena Teen Girls thanking the couple’s Archwell Foundation for its support.
The duo also worked with José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen Foundation to serve meals to both first responders and fire victims last week. Markle and Harry have dedicated much of their time and resources to the recovery efforts since the fires began on January 7.
The couple was spotted last week distributing food and essential items to victims at the Pasadena Convention Center. Pasadena’s mayor, Victor Gordo, praised them, saying the residents were “very happy” to see them and that they “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders.”
“They want to be as helpful as they can be,” Gordo said. “They took the time to meet the people affected and spent time with them. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors.”
While some have criticized the couple as “disaster tourists” seeking photo opportunities, an insider told Page Six that Markle and Harry are motivated by empathy, not self-promotion.
“They have invested significant time and resources, donated money, and essential items, and dedicated countless hours to volunteering, long before the media even caught wind of their involvement,” the source shared.
The insider added that Markle, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, considers the area her home, and the couple also opened their $14 million Montecito mansion to family and friends affected by the fires.
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