USC Alumni Group
As part of their Annual Alumni Day of Service, 17 members of the USC Trojan Family joined SGV Habitat to help rebuild a home in the El Sereno neighborhood. Volunteers learned how to safely reframe deteriorating interior walls under the guidance of patient and knowledgeable on-site supervisors. While working on affordable housing, they also gained valuable carpentry skills—an experience that brought new depth to the engineering degrees many of the USC alumni hold.
“I would personally like to give a HUGE shout-out to Sergio and Eloy—they were immensely kind, thoughtful, and amazing teachers.”
– Joseph Chen of USC’s Viterbi Emerging Leaders Board
On Saturday March 15, the Duarte ReStore welcomed volunteers one last time to help clear out the building as its lease came to an end. Students from Mark Keppel and Temple City High School, along with dedicated walk-in volunteers, showed up ready to lend a hand. Armed with brooms, mops, and gloves, they worked diligently to clean out the sales floor, dismantle shelving, and remove anything left on the walls.
Pasadena ReStore Manager, Kellie, was there to oversee the process, and thanks to their teamwork, the building was fully prepared for its final farewell. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort—we appreciate your dedication to Habitat’s mission!
“Our group helped clear out the Duarte ReStore to move everything to the Pasadena ReStore. We moved furniture, swept the store, took furniture apart, and discarded unnecessary materials. It was a great experience, and we appreciate the opportunity to help out!” – Khloe
As part of a Sit ‘n Sleep Distribution Event, where survivors of the January 2025 LA County fires received donated new mattresses and household goods, the Men’s Soccer Team from CSULA joined to help during the event.
They had a very important task at hand: helping to check in relief survivors and directing them to the proper stations to receive their mattresses, air purifiers, ReStore vouchers, and other relief essentials.
CSULA Men’s Soccer were part of the many volunteers who came to the distribution event to help fire survivors gain necessary items they needed. Thanks to everyone who was able to participate in this event.
“Thank you to SGV Habitat for Humanity for this volunteer opportunity. Our thoughts are with all affected families from the LA fires, and we are thankful to have the opportunity to serve our community in any way possible.” – Emil Kischka
Glen A. Wilson High School’s Disaster Preparedness Committee returned to the Duarte ReStore to volunteer during Free Furniture Saturday. These dedicated students assisted customers with loading furniture, helped clear out inventory, and tidied up the store, making the event run smoothly. Their hard work and enthusiasm were invaluable in supporting the ReStore team on a busy day.
“Our group had a good time cleaning up at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store during their giveaway. We pushed furniture around, assisted customers, and swept up trash on the floor.”
Students from the Humanities Academy at Monrovia High School volunteered to help build and renovate homes in El Sereno, making it a truly educational experience.
As part of their Spring Break volunteer initiative, UC Santa Barbara students dedicated time to SGV Habitat, helping patch walls and install drywall in El Sereno. Their efforts were met with a surprise visit from former SGV Habitat Marketing Intern and USCB student Ayden, who brought high energy and encouraged the group to help film reels for the Marketing team. The volunteers also spent time at the Pasadena ReStore.
Volunteers from Milken Community College spent the day at the Pasadena ReStore, cleaning furniture, staging the sales floor, and helping to keep the store organized for a smooth shopping experience.
