Elementary school is raising money to help a student critically injured in a car crash
RICHLAND, Wash. – A Richland elementary school is hosting a fundraiser for a student and her dad after they were critically injured in a head-on collision on Aug. 1.
"The staff really wanted to wrap our arms around them and support them in any way we can," Lewis and Clark Elementary Assistant Principal Melissa Ferris said.
Ferris said once staff learned that one of their 4th grade students, Kahleah Talavera, and her father were critically injured in a car crash, they wanted to help lessen the burden so the family could focus on healing.
"We all take care of each other, the staff takes care of each other, the staff takes care of the kids, families support each other," she said.
The school has set up a Goodwill truck fundraiser in their staff parking lot to help raise money for medical costs.
"The way the Goodwill truck works is families can clean out their homes and for the four days that the truck is here, you can bring the items and drop them off and clean your house out, and at the same time a percentage of the weight of the truck goes to help the family in need," Ferris explained.
Community members and families at the school have already made dozens of donations.
Ferris said it feels good to see many people come forward to donate and make a difference in a student's life.
"Some of these families know each other, if not the kids know each other,” she said. “It’s a tight knit community."
A community member also donated a brand-new backpack for Kahleah, stuffed with back-to-school items and new clothes for the school year.
"Slip on shoes because she broke her leg," Ferris said as she showed off the new flats.
Ferris said they may be a small school, but together teachers feel they can help their students because they are part of the Lewis and Clark family.
The fundraiser continues Thursday Aug. 24. You can find the Goodwill donation truck parked in the school parking lot at 415 Jadwin Ave. All the proceeds will go to support the Talavera family’s continued needs.
The following is a list of items that you can donate:
- Clothing/Bedding
- Books
- Shoes
- Housewares
- Accessories
- Small Electrical items
Items that will not be accepted include...
- Workout equipment
- Matresses
- Pianos
- Appliances
- Couches/Furniture
- Paint/Household Chemicals
Those interested in helping the family that do not have items to offer can donate money to a GoFundMe page or a YouCaring page that supporters set up for the victims. Or you can donate gift cards and give them to the Principal, Liz Crider or Assistant Principal Melissa Ferris at Lewis and Clark Elementary.
