East Bay middle school students launch effort to help LA fire survivors

11-year-old Pierce Failing gives a fist bump to his friend. Jan. 16, 2025 

For the past 10 days, Bay Area businesses and communities have sprung into action, organizing efforts to help survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires. Now, a group of East Bay middle school students are also stepping in to help, starting with one sixth-grader who organized a donation drive.

What you can do:

When 11-year-old Pierce Failing saw the devastation caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles, he felt he had to do something.

"I was scrolling on YouTube last week and looked up the news," Pierce said. "Watching that made me feel sad, and I wanted to help those people."

Pierce, a student at Pine Valley Middle School in San Ramon, reached out to fellow student Gautham Ajith, who had recently done a fundraiser for the SPCA. 

Together, they decided to team up.

"He came to me and said, ‘Do you want to join?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, I would love to,’" Gauthum said. "It made me feel better that we’re actually doing something for a great cause."

The backstory:

The two sixth-graders started planning a donation drive to collect clothing, toiletries, and other essentials for people affected by the Los Angeles firestorm. 

They researched nonprofit organizations and connected with City Serve of Tri-Valley, which agreed to transport the collected items to fire survivors and first responders in Southern California.

"I’m most excited about hopefully making people’s day in Southern California," Pierce said.

What they're saying:

Pierce’s parents said the donation drive was entirely his idea.

Gautham Ajith carries boxes at his school to help those who suffered in the LA wildfires. Jan. 16, 2025 

"He’s always been a big-hearted kid," said Jennifer Failing, Pierce’s mother. "They basically used their weekend to strategize and plan."

Pierce and Gautham asked the school principal for permission to set up collection bins.

Students at Pine Valley Middle School have been quick to show their support.

"I was like, wow — that is so cool," said 7th grade student Lilly Offerman.

Big picture view:

While the boys focus on collecting physical items, the school’s leadership class is also pitching in by organizing a fundraiser. The class is collecting money to support the Red Cross of Los Angeles.

"Losing our school or losing our homes would just be devastating," said Maysie Shanks, an 8th grader at Pine Valley.

That empathy is fueling a school-wide spirit of helping others.

"I’m happy they had the minds to do that," said Natalia Alonzo, another student. "We're all here to help."

What's next:

Thursday marks the start of the multi-day donation drive, with students hoping the collection bins will fill up over the next week. 

The first pick-up is scheduled for Saturday morning.

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