Saucon Valley HS ran a fundraiser for Puerto Rico the week of Oct. 15, in an attempt to raise money for the immense struggles they are facing after Hurricane Maria.

Puerto Rico is having trouble providing electrical power and basic needs (such as water) to citizens, and recovering from the destruction of buildings all around their community.

The fundraiser, started by senior Nicole Barbera, was extremely successful. Nicole, who has close family ties to Puerto Rico, brought this idea to our school principal, Beth Guarriello. All of the money raised is being donated directly to Red Cross to aid the relief process.

By placing containers in every classroom and only requesting spare change from first period classes, students came together and raised close to $2,600. Many teachers participated as well, bringing in as much cash as possible and even writing checks to make sure our school community was doing what we could to support those who need our help.

Mario Marcozzi, a history teacher and adviser to Saucon Valley’s school newspaper, donated an immense amount to this cause, showing his passion for assisting Puerto Rico during this detrimental time. Manuela Ruiz, the high school French teacher, donated the most money over all.

Even teachers and students not officially assigned to a first period stopped by classrooms and donated what they could to this important cause. Though not every student had the capability of participating as much as they wish they could, an awareness was raised in our school that spread beyond our walls and brought into homes.

Our whole school community deemed this fundraiser an amazing success, and we are currently discussing more opportunities for fund raisers we can introduce in the near future.