An article in Friday’s Simi Valley (Calif.) Acorn tells the story of Franki Allegra, a student at Grace Brethren High School who is raising funds to buy Christmas gifts for families in need. (Grace Brethren High School is a ministry of Grace Brethren Church, Simi Valley, Jordan Bakker, pastor.) A portion of the story appears below. Click here for the complete article.
Teen’s project unites cops and community
Police and community working together to help struggling families: That is the subtext of a service project developed by Grace Brethren High School senior Francesca Allegra after she participated in a summer leadership program at the Reagan Library.
“The past few years, my family has not been exchanging Christmas gifts,” she said. “(Instead), we find people in the community and give them gifts.”
Her goal this year is to expand that effort and purchase gifts for a larger number families who can’t afford presents and enlist Simi Valley police officers to deliver them on Dec. 20.
On Oct. 23, the 17-year-old Simi Valley resident launched a GoFundMefundraising campaign to help finance her idea. As of press time, she has raised $2,562, exceeding her $2,500 goal. The Simi Valley Police Officers Association has committed to match what is raised.
The teen hopes to collect the funds by Nov. 30 so she can start Christmas shopping.
“She’s doing this all on her own,” said Grace Brethren Junior/ Senior High School Principal John Hynes.
Click here for the complete article.