Elementary school comes together to support student after fire destroys home
A Doña Ana mobile home at Valle Verde Park went up in flames Wednesday February 7, 2018, displacing a family of four.
It did not take long for the community to band together and support the family raising more than $1,000 by that same Friday.
The fire started with an unattended candle as the mother dropped her children off at school, according to school officials.
The family declined to comment, but ABC-7 reached out to their daughter’s classmates and teacher to see what it took to help this family.
It was a normal school day last week at Doña Ana Elementary, when suddenly, a plume of smoke burst into the sky just five miles from the school. It was the home of one of their own students, engulfed in flames, and would be a total loss.
Once students and teachers learned one of their own had been affected it did not take long to start a fundraiser.
“Well I just…we were sitting down, and I told my Aunt Carol, and she started giving me money. And then my dad gave me $20, then my grandpa gave me $20,” said Anissa Barela, a fourth grade student.
She raised $92 during dinner with her family. Another student quickly got all $100 of his birthday money to donate, saying it was better than his plan to spend it with friends.
“Why would I do that instead of giving it to someone who doesn’t have anything any more? Who doesn’t have a house?” said Jose Rey, the fifth grader.
Teachers were expecting students to bring change or small bills, and many did. The school offered the students jean coupons and invited them to wear pajamas to donate.
It was so many children helping that the donations quickly grew to more than $1,100
“For some families I know it’s a little bit hard to give money sometimes, but knowing these kids, this group of kids, they show character each and every day,” said Annette Arguello, a fifth grade teacher.
Teachers said they’re proud of these children happily coming together to help a fellow classmate.
“Even though I helped a little, and it wasn’t that much, it still helps. I’m just happy they get some stuff, they have enough money to get some stuff,” Anissa said.
“It says that they have beautiful hearts and that they are caring. It just makes me happy,” explained Alice Maribal, a fourth grade teacher, in tears.
The principal told ABC-7 they have already given the money and the family is thankful for the community’s support.
Teachers said they hope this can help the family get back on their feet soon.
If you would like to donate, you can click on this GoFundMe link.
