Mariners students fundraise for Haiti

The American Red Cross received more than $3,000 in donations this week from Mariners Elementary School students who wanted to help those suffering in Haiti. The school put on a fundraiser, “Stay and Play,” to help earthquake victims.

“We wanted to do something that was cheap and easy to do,” said Principal Pam Coughlin. “We thought about how much kids love to play with their teachers at recess, so why don’t we set up games after school, where parents of the kids, who want to stay and play, can donate.”

Altogether, about 75 students joined in the fun.

Jim Fitzgerald, a parent of a Mariners student, brought in snacks and food donated by neighboring businesses, including Ralph’s, Al’s Pizza and Banzai Bowls.

“It was my chance to give back,” Fitzgerald said, remembering his Haitian church member friends who died in the earthquake.

“But this is about the students,” he added. “Some of the dollars were crumpled and looked like they came out of a child’s piggy bank.”

— Rachel Terrazas