Niles-based Lifeway Foods, run by Chicagoan Julie Smolyanski, who evacuated Southern California, now helping wildfire victims

NILES, Ill. (WLS) — A woman who was evacuated from her home in Southern California and runs a business in the Chicago area is actively involved in coordinating relief efforts following the destructive wildfires.

Firefighters are making ground on containing the fires, as Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up again next week.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

At least 27 people have died in the raging blazes, and at least 12,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed.

A woman, who is currently evacuated from her home, is now orchestrating some relief.

The distribution center for Lifeway Foods in Niles is normally busy.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the employees have been diligently producing and distributing more of their famous kefir and farmer cheese to donate to those in the vicinity of their warehouse in Los Angeles.

Lifeway Foods President and CEO Julie Smolyanski expressed her empathy, stating, “Everyone is affected by this – from the tragic loss of life to the animals desperately seeking shelter and safety.”

Lifeway began collecting needed items in Niles as their trucks routinely went to LA. In the last week, they sent three extra trucks full of supplies en route to California.

“The firefighters have been doing an amazing job of holding the line. It was a little touch and go at some point. Brentwood was surrounded by two different fires on Friday; it was definitely stressful time. It still is stressful,” Smolyanski said.

Smolyanski is a Chicagoan who has been staying in California the last two years to launch another project.

She said she is among the lucky ones, but knows many who lost everything.

“It’s an ongoing crisis; it’s really stressful. And people don’t have time to sit and eat a long meal. They need quick nutrition,” Smolyanski said.

People in the area heard what Lifeway was doing and dropped off face masks and other food. In addition, a local grocery wholesaler donated pallets of non-perishable items. It’s all going to California to help those displaced by the wildfires.

The pallets wrapped up Friday should be arriving in LA next week.

The items are going to fire stations, food pantries and other centers where residents are gathering for help.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Nancy Mace Delivers Emotional Speech on House Floor Accusing Ex-Fiancé, 3 Others of Rape, Sex Trafficking

“Nancy Mace Gives Heartfelt Speech in Congress, Naming Ex-Fiancé and 3 Others in Rape and Sex Trafficking Allegations”

In December 2024, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) posted a cryptic video to…
Brother of Parkland shooter arrested in Virginia for allegedly trespassing at three schools

Brother of the Parkland Shooter Arrested in Virginia for Allegedly Entering Three Schools without Permission

The brother of the Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz was arrested last week…
Pilot walks away unscathed after small plane crashes near Hampton Airfield in New Hampshire

Pilot safely exits with no injuries after small plane accident near Hampton Airfield in New Hampshire

A pilot walked away unharmed after a small plane crashed near Hampton…
FBI Officials File Class Action Lawsuit Against Trump's DOJ To Block Identification Of Agents Led January 6, Mar-a-Lago Investigations

FBI Officials Sue Trump’s DOJ in Group Lawsuit to Stop Revealing Agents in January 6 and Mar-a-Lago Probes

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 Two groups of FBI agents have…
Meghan Markle is 'lowering her status' to make Prince Harry look like a 'hero' with her 'limpet cling' shoulder nuzzles and arm hugs at Invictus Games, body language expert claims

“Body Language Expert Analyzes Meghan Markle’s Supportive Gestures at Invictus Games”

Meghan Markle knows that when she steps out in public, the world’s…
Former Overstock CEO Gears Up for Another Hearing in Dominion Voter Fraud Suit

Former Overstock CEO prepares for another court session in Dominion voting fraud case.

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne is…
Trump vows to move Palestinians into 'beautiful, safe communities' around the Middle East and says they will not be allowed to return as he vows to end Gaza crisis that 'has been going on for forever'

Trump promises to relocate Palestinians to new, secure communities across the Middle East and refuses their return, aiming to resolve Gaza crisis.

Donald Trump has stated his intention to relocate Palestinians to safe and…
New Jersey driver awarded $13M after state troopers mistakenly believed her stroke was sign of intoxication

New Jersey Driver Wins $13 Million Settlement Following Misunderstanding of Stroke as Intoxication

A driver from New Jersey received an almost $13 million settlement after…
Turks and Caicos shooting: Funeral to be held Tuesday for Cook County Deputy Shamone Duncan

Cook County Deputy Shamone Duncan’s Funeral Set for Tuesday Following Turks and Caicos Shooting

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tuesday is the funeral for a Cook County Sheriff’s…
Making the Liberal Media Cry: Trump’s Approval Ratings Are In

Therapists are noticing more Democratic patients concerned about changes in their lives under Trump’s presidency: Study

Democrats are worried about losing their way of life under President Trump.…
Did the Mouse Just Blink? Disney Reportedly Drops Two DEI Programs As Investor Backlash Grows

Disney Reportedly Cancels Two DEI Programs Amid Rising Investor Criticism

While selecting the main image for this article, I pondered about Walt…
Trump will host Jordan's King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan

Trump to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan as he increases pressure on his Gaza relocation proposal

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King…