Students step up to aid brave firefighters

Deirdre Newman

NEWPORT BEACH -- A group of students showed their support for the

heroic efforts of New York City firefighters by raising nearly $7,000 in

donations over the two weeks since the terrorist attacks.

On Tuesday morning, Eileen Ryan, a co-principal at Our Lady Queen of

Angels School, presented Newport Beach firefighters with a check for

$6,877.06. The check will be delivered to the families of the Rescue 4

Fire Department in Queens.

Not only did the Queens firefighters’ courage and perseverance win

over the students, but a personal connection also touched them. The

nephew of Donna Custer, one of the school’s teaching assistants, is

missing. Brian Hickey is a New York firefighter with Rescue 4.

“The kids rallied around her with support so she would be better able

to cope,” Ryan said.

The idea to raise money for the families of the firefighters grew out

of a groundswell of admiration and respect for those on the front lines

who risked their lives to save others.

“Before this happened, our heroes were athletes and movie stars,” said

Michael Morgenstern, an eighth-grader. “Now, our real heroes are the

police officers and firefighters who are helping find people.”Some

students emptied their piggy banks. Others raised donations from selling

cookies and lemonade. Many asked their parents to match their

contributions.

Eighth-grader Chelsea Williamson and her family contributed $25.

“I was just happy that I could contribute even though it may not seem

like a lot compared to their heroic deeds,” Chelsea said.

While many students provided financial donations to the firefighters,

the second-graders in the class where Custer helps out showed their

compassion by making her an angel quilt.

Brian Hickey, a 47-year-old city rescue captain, has been missing

since the early days of the search and rescue effort.

Custer said she was shocked to receive such a thoughtful gift.

“I had no idea,” Custer said. “I’m going to send it back to Brian’s

wife.”

Second-grader Elizabeth Impagliazo said she helped make the quilt to

help Custer get through a tough time.

“I wanted to make her feel better,” Elizabeth said.

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HELPING HANDS

Many other schools have also contributed to relief efforts in the wake

of the terrorist attacks.

Newport Harbor High School’s Culinary Club pledged $5,000 of money

raised last year through the eScrip program. The program enables Vons and

other designated stores to donate a percentage of eScrip members’

payments to the school.

The students would like to donate the money to an entity with a close

connection to the attacks, such as a child who lost a parent or a company

that lost a lot of employees, parent Hennie Sondel said.

Cheerleaders at Costa Mesa High School are collecting teddy bears and

other toys to give to the youngest victims of the terrorist attacks. The

toy drive will continue through Friday.