Kids strive to console Lodi students make cards for Camp Fire evacuees
Many local people collect donations along with school
Seventh-graders were gathered in their classroom at Joe Serna Jr. Charter School on Friday morning, writing letters of support on handmade cards to the victims of the Camp Fire in Paradise.
“I am sorry for who you guys lost,” one card read. “Remember to always have hope because your (sic) in the hands of God..” it continued. “Their (sic) has always been hard moments in life and right now it has been a terrible moment.”
Student Brian Dominguez, 12, explained why he felt it was important to show support.
“I feel bad for them, it’s sad they lost their homes,” he said.
For teacher Claudine Stanbridge, the tragedy is hitting close to home. She lived in Chico, a short drive from Paradise, for 14 years and is a graduate of Chico State. She still has many friends that live in the area, and one of her best friends lost his house in the fire, she said.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Stanbridge, who has been trying to connect people willing to donate with places accepting donations, and gather and distribute other information on how people can help the victims of the fire.
On Thursday, the Joe Serna student council traveled with Principal Maria Cervantes to Walmart to purchase supplies to donate, such as diapers, underwear, socks, wipes and scrubs for medical personnel. On Friday, the items sat in large bags in the school lobby. A parent dropped off another bag with donated goods as Cervantes looked over the donations. She said the students opted to donate all the funds they had raised at a recent school dance to the fire victims and Lodi Adopt a Child.
“All the money generated at the dance will be donated, rather than the students ordering a pizza party for themselves,” Cervantes said. “I am really proud of them for doing that.”
In addition to the donated goods, students and staff raised approximately $400 in cash, and it will be donated in the form of gift cards.
Today, Stanbridge will bring the donations and the more than 120 cards the students made to East Ave Church in Chico, to be distributed to the victims of the fire.
A number of Lodi businesses and residents are gathering donations for the fire victims.
• Lodi resident Marissa Schuh, in partnership with Grace and Mercy Charitable Foundation and the Lodi Christian School, has been arranging monetary and supply donation collection sites in Lodi. Donations can be dropped off at House of Coffees, Lodi Physical Therapy and Five Window Beer Co. Shelters are requesting new clothes, including coats, undergarments, socks, pajamas and gloves. Other items requested are new towels, wash cloths, personal hygiene items, diapers and baby wipes.
• Jessie’s Grove is accepting monetary donations for the fire victims.
• According to Lodi High Principal Lofsted, the school held a fundraising drive for victims of the fire. Today, they will deliver supplies, including toiletries, baby necessities, disposable eating utensils, new blankets and gift cards to both the Chico Salvation Army and the Hope Center in Oroville.