Rio Rancho students raise funds for California fire victims
RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Students at Rio Rancho High School participated in a national campaign to raise money for families affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
“We love doing stuff like this, we love giving back to our community and especially people who need help,” said Oliver, the RRHS student body treasurer.
Their student government connected with the organization LA Love last year during their national student government conference. A year later, California is recovering from the most devastating wildfire in history.
“With families here in New Mexico that experience wildfires it was something that connected to not only us, but other people in the community as well,” said Serenity, RRHS senior class vice president.
The Rio Rancho Rams jumped in on the national campaign, Miracle Minute, to help.
“During our announcement time we went into every classroom, and we had one minute in there to get as much money as possible,” Oliver said. “People donated gift cards, money, we had a QR code with the GoFundMe and everything.”
Activities director Chris Salas said 15 high schools participated nationwide.
“We have a structured class that meets daily on campus so when students can take initiatives up and bring it to the class and say, ‘Hey, are we interested in doing these things,’ we are a service organization, and we want students to leave with service-learning abilities and knowledge,” Salas said.
The student body was able to raise more than $1,000 and they hope other campuses in New Mexico join in.