First Entertainment Credit Union Donates $10,000 to Help Rebuild Odyssey South Charter School After Los Angeles Wildfires

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (August 14, 2025) – In the wake of the Eaton Fire that tore through parts of Los Angeles earlier this year, Odyssey South Charter School in Altadena emerged as one of the hardest-hit learning institutions, with its campus severely damaged, students displaced, and essential learning tools lost. From the devastation, however, came an inspiring show of community spirit.

First Entertainment Credit Union, a member-driven financial institution with deep roots in the creative community throughout Los Angeles area, stepped forward with a $10,000 donation to help the school rebuild its learning environment. The credit union also provided much-needed essentials, including hygiene items, clothing, food, water, and even financial literacy comic books to help students and families who are still working through the recovery process.

“The Eaton Fire devastated our school and the overall Altadena community,” said Dr. Carlos Garcia Saldana, Executive Director of Odyssey Charter Schools. “Nearly 35 percent of Odyssey South’s students and families [were] directly affected. Some lost their homes and belongings, and others [were] unable to return home due to ongoing remediation needs. Six of our faculty and staff members have also been impacted.”

First Entertainment’s response was not only swift, but it was also deeply personal. When an employee with children enrolled at Odyssey South shared how the fire had impacted their community, the entire credit union mobilized without hesitation, demonstrating the true meaning of community.

“Our mission goes beyond financial services, it’s about showing up for our community when it matters most,” said Janet Gaspard, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at First Entertainment. “While we are an institution that serves storytellers and creatives, we stand beside them because they are also our neighbors, parents, and educators. Our community is interwoven and when one of us is in need, we all step in. Compassion and connection aren’t just values, it’s the heart of who we are.”

The $10,000 donation is aiding Odyssey South replace essential materials lost in the fire, supporting the school’s ongoing efforts to reopen a permanent campus in time for the 2025–2026 school year.

“We are tremendously indebted to our community supporters and champions who have been able to do so much for us,” said Saldana. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity and support, and in the months ahead I hope we can partner to continue supporting our students as they return to a traditional school campus and facility for the school year in August.”

As Odyssey South Charter School works to restore stability and create a joyful learning environment for its students, First Entertainment Credit Union remains committed to the people and communities that define Los Angeles.

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