Since 1926, Webster’s Community Pharmacy has lived up to its name by serving its community in Altadena, California. Alongside the full-service prescription pharmacy, owners Michael and Meredith Miller run a gift shop complete with name-drop apparel, greeting cards, jewelry, books, retro toys, candy, personal care items and home accents.
When the Eaton Fire spread throughout Southern California in January 2025, many Altadena businesses were destroyed or damaged. Meredith Miller estimates 90% of her regular customer base lost their homes. Although the Webster’s building survived the fire, all inventory was lost due to smoke damage.
Vendor support and grants have helped Webster’s Community Pharmacy return to normal. Miller says the store received grants to help offset costs from replenishing after the fire.
But Webster’s Community Pharmacy didn’t just receive support — the longtime retailer found unique ways to give support to others in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.
Lending a hand
After Webster’s finished cleaning and reopened in February 2025, the store stepped up to help its community. Webster’s set up a donation station in the store so that people in need could come and take whatever they needed.
Webster’s also stepped up to provide several public services to Altadena. The town’s main post office also burned down, so Webster’s began serving as a village post office for the community.
“We knew we had to do whatever we could to help,” says Miller.
Making Altadena strong
Several years ago, Webster’s Community Pharmacy launched its Beautiful Altadena 91001 collection of custom products, which has grown in popularity since the fire.
“After the fire, people were wanting Altadena anything,” she shares. “They wanted to show the world we were going to make it.”
Life may not be quite back to normal for Altadena, but Miller says she’s been happy to see the growth in community pride over the past year and a half.
“I think it’s just a long process for everyone to rebuild,” Miller says. “We’re here, though, and we’ll do the best we can to help the community. It just feels like that’s what’s natural to do.”
Winner: Webster’s Community Pharmacy
Location: Altadena, CA
Owner: Meredith Miller
Sunshine Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award. 
