When Ellen Turkanis learned that friends and family in Los Angeles lost everything in the recent wildfires, the Marblehead business owner knew she had to act. Her children’s boutique, Pint Size and Up at 41 Atlantic Ave., has now become a small link between the East Coast community and devastated families on the West Coast.
The store is collecting new and gently worn children’s clothing through next Friday, while monetary donations will be accepted through January for Baby2Baby, a nonprofit providing emergency supplies to families in crisis. The timing, following the holiday retail season, has allowed the store to dedicate significant space and resources to the effort.
“I needed to do something personally, and I needed to do something from the store,” Turkanis said. “We’re lucky that we live where we are. We have our own elements, but we’re lucky.”
Turkanis said the devastation in Los Angeles extends far beyond lost homes. Many evacuees are struggling to find temporary housing in an overwhelmed rental market, while others face challenges with displaced pets and lost documentation. Local veterinary hospitals have stepped in to help, with some offering free boarding for pets whose families are staying in hotels that don’t accept animals.
“Some people who were out of town when it happened didn’t have the opportunity to grab important papers,” Turkanis explained. “They lost every piece of paper they own — insurance documents, social security cards, everything you’d need to rebuild. And unless you’re going an hour or more outside the city, there’s not a lot of rental options because everyone’s looking for the same properties.”
The initiative focuses on practical assistance, carefully considering what will be most useful to recipients. While the store accepts clothing donations, it’s being selective about what it will ship to ensure resources are used effectively.
“They need everything — diapers, supplies,” Turkanis said. “We’re not taking toys because they’re very heavy to ship. We have to think about what’s practical to send.”
Tukanis said the crisis has created a complex web of challenges for L.A. residents. Even in areas spared from direct fire damage, the disaster’s impact is felt daily. Businesses are suffering as residents remain glued to local news coverage, while air quality concerns have forced many to stay indoors.
“People aren’t spending time outside because the air quality is bad, no matter where you are,” Tukanis said. “It’s hard to go on with your life when you have friends and neighbors that lost everything. You feel guilty going about your day, but part of you wants to support local businesses just like during COVID.”
Turkanis said the initiative has already garnered strong community support, with Marblehead residents dropping off donations even before formal announcements were made.
“I researched organizations and Baby2Baby really hit right to my heart,” Turkanis said. “Anyone wanting to make a monetary donation can either bring it to the store or donate directly through their website. The need is immediate and growing.”
Pint Size and Upis open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Turkanis emphasizes that donated clothing should be appropriate for Southern California’s climate.
“I just felt that I needed to do something,” Turkanis said. “And if everyone does a little bit, it can make a big difference.”
