As five major wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles county, the Eagle Rock High came together to band around those affected. Today was a perfect example of that spirit, as Eagle Rock High School hosted a food and clothing drive to support families whose homes were taken by the disaster. According to those volunteering at the event, the sense of solidarity was truly staggering.
The event was organized by Eagle Rock teachers, particularly Ms. Clark, Ms. Hernandez, Mr. Torres, and Ms. Youngblood-Jarman who went out on social media to call in the auxiliary. Over 65 volunteers showed up, ready to lend a helping hand to sort and distribute donations, which poured in. Within an hour, the drive had exceeded its goal and volunteers had to stop accepting donations. An email was sent to the Eagle Rock community asking people hold-off on bringing any more items.
Volunteers distributed bottled water, toothbrushes, hygiene products, canned and dried foods, deodorant, clothes, shoes, blankets, respirators, bags, gift cards, toys, school supplies, and more. All said, the volunteers sorted over three hundred boxes and bags of items.
Many donations went to those ten Eagle Rock families who had lost their homes, and because of the sheer abundance of donations, an additional five cars and a U-Haul van were filled to the brim with supplies to be sent to two other distribution sites as well.
The story of this drive should serve as a valedictory for our school and community. In times of crisis, we have demonstrated how strong and capable our community is.
Postscript from the writer:
While the donations provided today were staggering, there is still a long road ahead for the affected families. I will provide a link where you can navigate to the GoFundMe pages for those families helped today. I also encourage all readers to consider volunteering at other disaster relief centers within their own neighborhoods. Those links will also be provided.
Thank you to everyone for donating in this crisis, and thank you for reading.
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