What did Waverly Park Elementary School students do to support firefighters battling the destructive wildfires in California?

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Students at Waverly Park Elementary School in East Rockaway raised $600 for the firefighters battling the destructive wildfires in California.

The students, third to fifth graders, sold heart-shaped bracelets as part of a fundraising campaign to provide financial support to the Los Angeles Fire Department, which has been at the forefront of fighting multiple blazes in the region.

“This is important because they’re in need of more resources, and the donations will help them,” fifth grader Elizabeth Graham said. “A lot of firefighters are worried about their own families, but they are still out there helping others in need.”

Firefighters in Southern California have confronted some of the worst wildfire conditions since 2021, with three major fires still burning across the region. The fire in Palisades has scorched more than 23,000 acres, while the blaze in Eaton has reached more than 14,000 acres and still looms over the city of Pasadena.

As of press time, at least 27 people have died, and authorities said the full extent of the damage won’t be clear until investigators can safely access the affected areas. More than 13,600 structures have been destroyed, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.

To show support, the elementary school’s Student Council, led by fifth grade teacher Shari Bowes, organized the fundraiser and sold bracelets over the course of three lunch periods on Jan. 14-16.

"We wanted the kids to take ownership of this," Bowes said. "We want them to be able to explain to their families, friends, and community members why they’re wearing a heart on their wrist. It's a reminder that we’re thinking of those affected by the fires, and we want to show our support for the first responders who are working around the clock."

Bowes said the goal was not only to raise funds, but also to create an opportunity for students to connect with the ongoing disaster in a personal and meaningful way. She said uncontrollable climate events can sometimes lead to a sense of helplessness, but curating unique ways to aid others can highlight the significance of community outreach.

Students designed the bracelets and sold them for a suggested donation of $5. However, Bowes said she wanted the bracelets to remain accessible to everyone, even if students could only donate $1.

While the effort was primarily focused within the school, Bowes said the fundraiser was community-driven, with many kids donating from their personal savings or piggy banks, and parents, teachers and residents also contributing.

The funds raised were directly donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department via a QR code provided by the department, ensuring that every dollar would go to the firefighters battling the blazes. Bowes explained that the money would be used to support the men and women on the frontlines of the fire response, helping them with the resources they need to continue their work.

"With the amount of work they’re doing, every little bit helps," Bowes said. "The firefighters are facing extreme conditions, and we wanted to show them that we care and that we’re supporting them in any way we can."

Firefighters have made inroads in containing the wildfires — with containment levels rising from 11 to 31 percent for the Palisades fire and from 3 to 65 percent for the Eaton fire — but experts warned that more fire-fueling winds are expected. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for parts of the region as gusty winds, coupled with dry weather, have created perilous conditions for both residents and emergency responders.

Firefighters are bracing for the possibility of worsening conditions, as Santa Ana winds, which have been a key factor in the fires' rapid spread, are expected to intensify, creating the potential for new flare-ups.

Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are working with fire officials in California to determine how the Palisades fire started, and whether foul play was involved.

The students at Waverly Park, meanwhile, are doing their part to raise awareness and offer support, Bowes said, adding that the donation drive is teaching students the importance of empathy and community involvement.

Bowes and the Waverly Park Student Council expressed hope that their efforts will inspire others to take action, by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the ongoing crisis.

"We just want to make sure that our friends and neighbors in California know that they’re not alone," Bowes added. "We’re thinking of them, and we’re doing everything we can to help."