Hello, my name is Sara and I am a student at UC Riverside. On Friday, May 29th, after my class, I returned home to find my apartment at University Gardens on fire. I watched as fellow students rushed to escape, grabbing what they could, while I could only stand by and see my room burn away. Being over 300 miles from home, I am now relying on UC Riverside's temporary student housing, but everything I owned was lost in the fire. The only things I had with me were my school essentials and the clothes and shoes I was wearing that day.

While I was able to purchase a few necessities like three outfits and hygiene items, I am facing the challenge of finding new housing and starting over once the quarter ends. I need to replace everything—from a mattress and bedding to clothes, shoes, kitchen supplies, and a desk. I also lost my entire savings, which I had kept in my desk, as the fire destroyed everything in my apartment.

As I navigate this difficult journey and begin again, I am reaching out for support. Any donation, no matter the amount, will go toward replacing the essentials I lost in the fire. Whether you choose to donate, share my story, or simply read it, I am truly grateful for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for helping me rebuild and move forward.