The morning of the fires, Pasadena Humane volunteer Kamron Shahriaree woke up in the middle of an asthma attack from the smoke. He grabbed a bag of clothes, his dog, and headed straight out of LA. He had no idea how devastating the fires would become.
Soon after, Karmon was checking in with fellow volunteers in the Pet Food Pantry’s group chat. He immediately saw the huge need our community had for pet food and supplies during this unprecedented time.
“I couldn’t sit back,” Kamron shared with us. “As a seasoned volunteer, I felt a responsibility to return especially when the Pet Food Pantry needed me most.”
It’s that sense of responsibility to serve the people and pets of our community that led Kamron to volunteer with the Pet Food Pantry, every day, all day, through the end of February.
It was during the fires that our Pet Food Pantry changed forever. Kamron went from handing out supplies to a handful of pet owners each day to helping run a full-scale operation serving thousands every week.
Many had fled the fires with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and their beloved pets. Our Pet Food Pantry became a critical resource providing pet food, supplies and essentials to community members and to the animal rescue teams helping pets trapped behind fire lines.
Immediately after the fire, Kamron took on a leadership role. He trained new volunteers and helped staff manage the flood of supply donations. He helped set up and run pop-up food distribution events across the San Gabriel Valley so we could reach more residents in need.
Looking back on the months following the fires, Kamron reflected: “It was intense, but it was also some of the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.”
Kamron first joined us as a volunteer during the pandemic. Like many others during that time, he was searching for purpose and a connection to his roots. Following in his parents’ footsteps, he sought to give back to his community.
He began volunteering at several organizations, but Pasadena Humane’s Pet Food Pantry felt like the perfect fit. “It offered a chance to make a lasting impact while helping both people and animals,” Kamron said. “I even liked to think my dog would be proud of me.”
He was soon volunteering twice a week, taking on a range of responsibilities from assisting clients to organizing the pantry and finding new ways to make the program more efficient.
Along the way, Kamron has built incredible friendships with fellow volunteers, who he recognizes for their dedication and teamwork. He is also thankful for the Pasadena Humane staff, who have built a meaningful volunteer program while growing support for the community.
The need today isn’t as overwhelming as it was in the early weeks of the fire, but the Pet Food Pantry has been transformed. Even post-crisis, it remains greatly expanded, now serving more than 500 families each month.
Volunteers like Kamron remain at the core of the Pet Food Pantry’s success and growth, according to program manager Miguel Ruelas. Not only do our dedicated volunteers run day-to-day operations, for which Miguel is incredibly grateful, they create a welcoming environment for families seeking support.
Kamron encourages everyone to try volunteering—even just once a month. “It makes you happier, more positive, and gives you a real sense of purpose,” he explained. “You meet like-minded people, strengthen communities, and yes, even if you start doing it for yourself, it can be life changing.”
Kamron’s final advice: Stop doom-scrolling, put down your phone, and go volunteer.
To learn more about volunteering at Pasadena Humane, visit pasadenahumane.org/volunteer
Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.