Hi Friends,

I have struggled these past weeks trying to find out how to help some of the families who have been displaced by the devastating fires that blew through my school community 2 weeks ago. Knowing so many families who have been affected, I have decided to focus my efforts on my current and future students. I currently have 14 students who have been displaced, either because their homes have been destroyed, or they have been damaged to a point that these families have had to relocate to other housing. 9 of those 14 students are currently registered for my annual 8th grade trip to Washington, DC. My goal is to ensure that those 9 students do not have to miss this opportunity due to the financial burden that these fires have brought upon their families, as well as to, if possible, offer this opportunity to the remaining 5 kiddos who have been displaced. With scholarship money already accumulated, I have been able to completely cover one student's trip - souvenirs and all! How amazing would it be to be able to offer a bit of the same to the others? That is my goal - every little bit helps, and I thank you for your consideration.