
DYKER HEIGHTS — As wildfires continue to devastate Southern California, St. Ephrem Catholic Academy hopes to provide a “glimmer of hope” to displaced families through a fundraiser initiative, according to Principal Michael Phillips. To raise money, students were allowed to donate $2 or more to participate in a dress down day on Jan. 17. The children raised nearly $400 to support families in California through the initiative. They also collected canned goods, shoes, clothing, and other items to donate to the victims.
Before donations were collected, students gathered in the school’s auditorium to pray for those affected by the wildfires. “Unfortunately, people have lost their lives, and some have lost all their belongings,” Phillips said. “So, whether it is $2 or $400, whatever it may be, we know it can go somewhere that will be able to help.”
Fourth grader Thomas Riches collected donations from a second grade class. He said that because his father is a fire captain, he understands the danger of wildfires. “The fires damaged a lot of California … so I am hoping the people are OK,” Thomas
said. “I think the firefighters are doing the best they can to put out all the fires. … I hope everyone gets a home eventually.”
Thomas’ sister, second grader Abigail Riches, also helped collect donations. She said the school has prayed for the wildfire
victims every morning. “When we pray, I think it helps to [say] words that can help them,” Abigail said. “We are [also] collecting all this money, we are collecting clothes, and we’re making sure everyone is OK.”
Phillips said the children have participated in dress-down days for many different causes. He said any donations the school collects are handed over to Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens for distribution. Phillips also highlighted the importance
of prayer in their efforts. “We’ve been doing our Hail Marys and Our Fathers for families affected by what’s going on in California and really asking for our Lord to wrap his arms [around them] and give them solace,” he said.