By Valerie Eads, Emergency & Disaster Response Volunteer

On January 12, 2010, Haiti had a devastating earthquake which killed more than 200,000 people and left 2 million homeless. Immediately, the students of Northridge Middle School had an enormous desire to help those in need.

Although the majority of the 975 students who attend the school are economically challenged (with 87% on a free or reduced breakfast and lunch program), that did not dissuade them from raising funds for Haiti relief. After all, the mission of the school is to create an environment where the students learn how to “make character count.”

The students asked the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) if they could raise money to help the Haiti earthquake victims and expressed a desire to do this through the American Red Cross. The students knew of the American Red Cross because of their conversations at home with their families. The PTSA said yes immediately and told the students whatever monies they raised, the PTSA would guarantee a pledge of $100.

With the students hard at work babysitting, cleaning yards, and whatever they could do to make extra money, the PTSA and school coordinator Judi Greenberg contacted Sher Hogan, an American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles Disaster Action Team volunteer.

Sher was very moved when hearing about the tireless work of these tenacious and compassionate children and called Chief Communications Officer Charlie Sardou of the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles. He too was on board to personally help. Sher worked with Judi and coordinated with the school to have a special appreciation assembly.

On February 2, 2010, just three weeks after the devastating earthquake, the students presented a check to Charlie in the amount of $2,205. Then they gave an additional $108 in monies raised the day of the event, for a grand total of $2,313.

“The school recognition event was a mammoth success,” said Sher Hogan. “These students are the leaders of tomorrow, and they deserve to be recognized.  They have made us all proud.”

PTSA President Alma Valdivia added, “The PTSA feels it is important for the students to learn that donating and giving back is an important way of life. The PTSA, as well as the teachers and staff, are so very proud of the students for all their hard work. And when it comes to character — character counts — and you can count on them.”

Also attending the assembly were several community leaders, including John Bwarie of Councilman Greig Smith’s office. “These students saw the opportunity to contribute, to raise funds that would directly benefit those in need and they were hugely victorious in their endeavor,” he said.

“This is an outstanding day to see our teachings have not fallen on deaf ears,” said Judi Greenberg. “We appreciate the hard work of Sher Hogan and everyone who helped make this day possible.”

Photo: Commending the students of Northridge Middle School for their fundraising efforts are (l to r) John Bwarie, Deputy District Director, District 12, Councilman Greig Smith’s office; Deborah Wiltz, Principal, Northridge Middle School; Judi Greenberg, Coordinator, Northridge Middle School; Scott Sterling, Northridge South  Neighborhood Council; Sher Hogan, American Red Cross DAT Team & Northridge South Neighborhood Council; Charlie Sardou, Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles and Alma Valdivia, PTSA President, Northridge Middle School and her niece.