After losing everything in Eaton Fire, woman finds joy in giving back to 'Spark of Love'

ALTADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- ABC7's annual Spark of Love campaign is taking on a new meaning this year as families continue to rebuild after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Many families had just celebrated the holidays when their lives changed forever, but Jenny Martinez, who lost her Altadena home in the Eaton Fire, is healing by giving back.

The night of the fire, Martinez and her family fled their home with just a few possessions, but thought they would be able to return.

"There's been fires over here before ... never came down so far south," she said. "We didn't get a warning to get out so we just self-evacuated."

The wind-fueled flames leveled their home and destroyed everything, including irreplaceable family photographs.

"The pictures are what I keep dwelling on," she said.

Dwelling on a loss can be draining so instead, Martinez is focusing on helping others move forward.

As a staff assistant for the Pasadena Fire Department, Martinez is a part of the department's "company of elves," gathering toys for Operation Spark of Love.

"The kindness of strangers has been amazing. It has restored my faith in humanity," said Martinez.

"There's going to be a bigger need this year than probably ever," said Pasadena Fire Battalion Chief Jason Hansen.

IMany children had just opened their Christmas gift less than two weeks before the fires erupted.

"Whatever we can do to bring some normalcy back to their lives, that's really, I think, a key part of Spark of Love," said Hansen.

Throughout the holiday season, the Pasadena Fire Department and community partners are collecting unwrapped toys at all Pasadena fire stations.

While young children love toys, many displaced teenagers have needs as well.

"They don't play with Barbie dolls anymore. Now, they're more into technology type stuff, maybe there are some other better board games," said Hansen.

Meantime, Martinez now has a fresh perspective on what matters most in life. She knows donations will give families the emotional and spiritual boost they need.

"To see that everybody is opening their hearts and their wallets to make this happen and provide for all of us that have lost so much, it means the world to us. We thank you," she said.

Join ABC7 Spark of Love Toy Drive 2025 and bring hope to children in need