In response to the devastating California wildfires, Ransom Everglades’ Volunteer Service Council (VSC) organized two fundraising events in January to support relief efforts. With widespread destruction leaving thousands displaced, VSC aimed to provide direct aid to students and families affected by the fires.
The 2024-2025 wildfire season was one of the most destructive in recent years, with over 359 wildfires burned across the state. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Department, 16,249 structures were destroyed, and thousands of residents were displaced. The fires, fueled by dry conditions and the strong Santa Ana winds, led to evacuations, leaving many families with little time to save their homes and belongings.
In the aftermath of the wildfires, heavy rains in Southern California triggered mudslides and flash floods in the already devastated areas, making recovery efforts even more challenging. Homes that withstood the fires were left at risk of structural damage from landslides, and road closures slowed rebuilding efforts
For those directly impacted by the wildfires, the devastation has been overwhelming. Malibu resident Geoff Stults described the losses suffered by his community. “Over 35 different homes of personal friends are burnt down now,” Mr. Stults said. “The morale is resilient, but we have a long way to go. These areas will never be the same again.”
Students in Los Angeles have also felt the impact. Avery Panepinto, a 10th grader at Archer High School in Culver City, saw firsthand how her peers were affected. “Two of my really good friends lost their houses within the first day or two,” she said.
The impact of the wildfires was felt by many Ransom Everglades students, some of whom have connections to those affected. Student Cianna Schiff ‘25 shared how a close friend from California had to evacuate with her entire school, spending a month in Miami while her home remained in an evacuation zone. “Her school also had to take in students from Palisades High School after their building burned down,” Schiff explained. “Even seniors had to transfer schools in the middle of the year. It was heartbreaking to hear all the stories and see the homes destroyed.”
Despite the challenges, communities came together to provide support. Across California, local organizations, schools, and volunteers mobilized to raise funds and collect essential items for displaced families. “My mom and I had a bake sale to raise money for first responders and those affected by the fire, and we surpassed our goal of $2,000. At school, we also brought in old uniforms, food, and supplies to help,” Panepinto said.
At RE, VSC took action through two fundraising initiatives. The first fundraiser, a hot chocolate and waffle stand, took place in the morning of January 15, drawing students eager to support the cause. A week later, on January 22, VSC held a Chick-fil-A sale, selling pre-ordered meals to raise additional funds. According to VSC President Nina Rivera ‘25, the initiative was designed to quickly generate financial support. “We ended up ordering like 150 meals, each of them being $1, and then the profit that we make from that was sent to California,” Rivera explained. “Along with the hot chocolate and waffle sale, I think it was a huge success.”
The money raised from both fundraisers was donated to the Los Angeles Unified School District fund, which is providing resources to students who lost their homes and schools in the fires. After the fundraisers, Mr. PJ Shoemaker, the faculty sponsor of VSC, emphasized the importance of directing funds toward education. “A significant number of students are currently without a school to go to,” he said. “I really love to see students helping students. This is an example where I am reminded of the tangible and real impacts of these efforts.”
VSC’s fundraising efforts reflect a broader commitment to service within the Ransom Everglades community. The organization, which coordinates charitable initiatives, saw an urgent need to act. “The biggest aspect of community service is recognizing that when you’re in a position to help others, you should take advantage of that position,” Mr. Shoemaker said.
Rivera echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that fundraising is a direct way to assist those in crisis. “Fundraising is the best way to help certain communities that are going through hardships because it’s the easiest way to get resources to them just by sending money,” she said. “We just kind of saw that there was a community in pain, and we wanted to help.”
While the immediate crisis of the fires has passed, the recovery process for many affected families will take months, if not years. VSC hopes that the funds raised will help ease the burden on students who have lost homes and schools, allowing them to regain a sense of normalcy in their education and daily lives.
With the success of these two fundraisers, VSC continues on to additional service projects supporting other causes. “This is just one example of how students can make a real impact,” Shoemaker said. “Even from thousands of miles away, small efforts like these can make a difference.”
