THE PEOPLE’S FREE BOUTIQUE BY QUIRK

PRESS & STORIES

From our first wildfire response to the work that continues today. Explore the stories behind our volunteer-run Free Boutique.

3,000+ people affected by the fires helped since January 2025.

NEWSNATION · MORNING IN AMERICA coverage of Quirk’s wildfire relief effort

NEWSNATION · MORNING IN AMERICA

A vintage shop becomes a Free Boutique

NewsNation reports on Quirk’s response to the Los Angeles wildfires and the free clothing and essentials offered to displaced neighbors.

Watch the report ↗
NBC LOS ANGELES coverage of Quirk’s wildfire relief effort

NBC LOS ANGELES

Free clothing for wildfire survivors

A local television report visits the boutique as Quirk opens its doors to neighbors rebuilding after the fires.

Watch at NBC LA ↗
MAKING WAVES PROJECT coverage of Quirk’s wildfire relief effort

MAKING WAVES PROJECT

Threads of hope

A January 2025 feature explores how Quirk turned a fashion boutique into a community relief effort.

Read the story ↗

FASHIONISTA · JANUARY 16, 2025

Choice and dignity in wardrobe recovery

Dhani Mau’s feature visits free boutiques helping Angelenos rebuild after the fires, including Quirk’s community response and founder Melynda Choothesa’s approach to personal choice and a welcoming retail experience.

Read the Fashionista feature ↗

CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS · FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Fashion’s response to the LA fires

California Apparel News included Quirk’s free clothing drive in its reporting on the fashion district’s wildfire response, identifying founder Melynda Choothesa and her work at Quirk and Couture Zen.

Read the coverage ↗

WATCH THE NEWSNATION REPORT

Prefer a new tab? Watch on NewsNation’s YouTube channel ↗

OUR STORY CONTINUES

We began inside Quirk in January 2025 and remain fully volunteer-run, led by our two co-founders. Quirk continues to support the Free Boutique, including through unsold items from the shop.

We are working toward our own 501(c)(3) status under The Couture Zen Foundation. Monetary donations are currently paused; donated goods, gift cards and long-term volunteers are welcome.

Older reports reflect the hours and arrangements at the time of publication. Please use our current help and donation pages to plan your visit. Services are by confirmed appointment only.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For interviews, current program information, or permission to use our images, contact lafirehelp@gmail.com or contact our team.

Meet The People’s Free Boutique →