Yarmouth, Maine, February 3, 2025: Shannon Gallagher’s second graders raised $425 dollars for the Los Angeles fire victims by selling their own, and parents’, creations. “My pride in these students is immeasurable,” expressed Gallagher. “My heart has swelled, and my eyes have welled. I hope they remember the difference they can make for the rest of their lives.”

The tragic fires devastating Los Angeles County recently burned acreage thousands of miles from Main Street in Yarmouth, but their effects were felt in the second grade classroom. Gallagher’s son lives in the affected area and was required to evacuate. Her students were concerned, asking questions about how and why these things happen, what will the residents do, what does it mean to lose “everything?” Once they had a grasp of the situation, the students wanted to pack up old toys and clothes immediately to send to the areas in need. They researched that it is best to send financial assistance to help in relief efforts. Over the next three weeks, the students started crafting and recruited a few parents to bake. On Thursday, January 30, they set up shop with hand-made notecards, candle holders, baked goods, bookmarks (with an option to personalize), and more. They first set up their table in the Merrill Lower School Building and then traveled to the Curtis Building, attracting student, faculty, and staff as customers.

Everything was sold out before middle school lunch period.
“From students’ first concerned questions to scientific ponderings, to their kind and caring hearts wanting to do something to help, my small but mighty class took this devastating event to heart and turned it around,” beamed Gallagher.

Their hard work and dedication to making a difference made guiding this project so fulfilling and meaningful. We are all so proud of the donations we will make, sharing $425 between four deserving organizations who are on the ground in the L.A. area helping victims get through it all.

Mrs. G’s son, his pets, and residence are all safe.