Middle school students raise funds for Los Angeles wildfire victims

In the United States, particularly in Pacifica, a group of middle school students from Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School took action to support individuals affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Motivated by reports of extensive destruction, students initiated fundraising efforts, which initially started as a class project. The support and encouragement from their teacher, Kathryn Sosnowski, played a key role in transforming their initiative into a large-scale campaign. This demonstrated the students' commitment to social responsibility and community service. The students launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at providing financial assistance to the victims of the fires. Their motivation was profoundly personal for some, especially Sofia Salinas, whose brother is a firefighter in South San Francisco deployed to help combat the blaze in Los Angeles. Salinas expressed her concerns about her brother’s safety while recognizing the importance of his mission to save lives. This personal connection illustrates how the students' efforts were driven not just by empathy, but also by direct ties to those impacted by the disasters. Additionally, Gianna Nieves, another student involved in the fundraiser, highlighted their goal to assist other children who had lost educational resources due to the fires. The funds raised were specifically directed towards the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation to provide support for these affected students. This effort showcases the students' understanding of the far-reaching consequences of such disasters and their desire to ensure that others have access to education, regardless of the challenges they face. Aside from human concerns, the students also aimed to support animals displaced by the fires. They collaborated with Rocket Dog Rescue to organize a dog adoption event, scheduled for February 9th, 2025. The event aims to clear shelters that are overwhelmed with pets rescued from fire zones, providing them a path to find loving homes. This initiative underscores the students' compassion for all affected by the wildfires, reflecting their belief in community, empathy, and action. Overall, their fundraising and adoption events reveal a greater understanding among youth about the importance of collective responsibility and the impact of community action.