Born from a writing prompt on New Year’s goals, 4th grade students at Ruch Outdoor Community School exercised compassion for communities impacted by wildfires. They organized a fundraiser for World Central Kitchen, a charity organization providing meals for people in crisis. Fire hats sat in each class as students preschool through eighth grade raised cash donations for wildfire victims in southern California. Students said they’ learned that fundraising can be hard, but teaches them hospitality. The goal was $902.72, the zip code for the Palisades. After two weeks, the students surpassed their goal with a total amount of $1,225. Thank you to the local business who also supported this project – Applegate Fire, Sweets N Eats, Ruch Country Store, Ruch Hardware Store, and Black Barn Farm.