With the LA fires leaving many people stranded with no home and in need of assistance, the Mater Dei Associated Student Body has taken proactive action to help families, animals, and first responders. Student leaders have started different initiatives that encourage contributions from the wider Mater Dei community, bringing the school together in compassion.

Executive Director of Student Activities Jeanette Costa helped to manage these initiatives. However, she found that delegating student leaders to further organize community outreaches would be more effective. This student-led approach resulted in three key areas of support including helping displaced animals, supplying fire stations with bottled water, and raising funds through a Food Fair. 

“I actually directed to the students,” Costa said. “So I asked the students, ‘what did you want to do to help the victims of the fire?’ And we researched various areas.” 

One of the main actions taken was aimed to help animals displaced by the fires. Costa and the ASB team leaders conducted research online and discovered different places that were accepting donations.

“We found the LA Animal Shelter and found out the different things that they needed to donate to help various shelters in Los Angeles that needed help” Costa said. 

Their efforts expanded beyond animal help, as well. ASB then reached out to the student body and offered different incentives to gather donations, including extra credit or spirit dress. For students looking to get involved, ASB encourages donations to the Campus Ministry fund, which directly aids fire victims. 

“They can also go directly to a facility that’s maybe building care package boxes if they can’t make it all the way to the areas affected by the fire,” an ASB member said. 

Additionally, organizations such as the Black Student Club have already taken part in relief efforts, volunteering in areas like Altadena. ASB remains a valuable resource for students seeking opportunities to contribute to the cause. Various clubs on campus were also asked to host a food fair and join in the relief efforts. They sold different meals and snacks like Raising Canes, spam musubi, and Crumbl Cookies.

“All of the money collected went into a general fund that was donated to help those affected by the fire,” Costa said. 

Student leaders also assisted those fighting the fires in LA. They distributed water to a certain fire station that one ASB member was connected to. 

“To help the heroes fighting these fires they donated water bottles,” Costa said. “One of my freshman officers let us know that the fire stations were running short on bottled water, so we decided to collect bottled water so we could donate to that fire station, as well as other fire stations in LA. This ensured that the firefighters at the station had much needed hydration.”

ASB also connected with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, creating a way for funds raised by the students to reach Los Angeles. Costa appreciates the impact made by ASB’s relief efforts because it demonstrated the generosity of the students and their families. 

“Just seeing the number of kids who brought in items and didn’t ask for anything, didn’t ask for service hours, didn’t ask for points; just wanted to help, really showed that when there’s a need, our students come through,” Costa said. 

This collective effort proves that in times of crisis, the school community stands united, ready to help neighbors, friends, and families in need.