Actress Sydney Sweeney and her boyfriend, music executive Scooter Braun, have been actively involved in providing aid to those impacted by devastating wildfires in Spokane, Washington. Sweeney, who has strong ties to the area, shared her concern for the community, noting that members of her own family were among those affected.
The pair participated in volunteer work, distributing food to firefighters and preparing meals for residents displaced by the blazes. They collaborated with organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and World Central Kitchen to deliver essential supplies and assistance.
Sweeney highlighted the scale of the devastation, stating that thousands of families lost homes and businesses. She emphasized that Spokane, unlike larger cities, often receives less national attention and resources, underscoring the community's need for support. She urged her followers to contribute to relief efforts, listing several organizations on the ground providing aid, including the Innovia Foundation, SpokAnimal, Watch Duty, and Second Harvest.
"Spokane has always been home to me," Sweeney wrote on Instagram. "It's where I grew up, where my family still lives, and where so many of the people and places that shaped me are."
The wildfires, which officials reported had scorched over 10,546 acres and impacted at least 700 structures by August 4, have caused significant damage. In connection with the fires, a Spokane resident, 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci, was taken into custody on suspicion of first-degree arson.
Sweeney's connection to Spokane runs deep. She has spoken previously about how the 2008 economic downturn led her family to move from the city to Los Angeles. Her maternal family has a long history in the area, with the actress even purchasing a house that her great-grandparents once owned. She described the experience of reclaiming a piece of her family's history as "very special."
In addition to her volunteer work, Sweeney has reportedly made significant donations to relief organizations. A post from the nonprofit Baby2Baby indicated that they had delivered nearly 350,000 emergency supplies, including diapers, wipes, formula, and hygiene products, to support children and families displaced by the disaster, with Sweeney's involvement.
Braun also participated in the relief efforts alongside Sweeney, showcasing his support for her hometown during this challenging period. The couple was also recently seen in playful costumes, with Sweeney channeling Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman and Braun as Superman, during a gathering at Sweeney's Idaho lake house, which has been in her family for five generations.