Peninsula Students Organize to Help Quake-Tsunami Victims

As some students and teachers were still trying to contact loved ones in Japan, efforts were under way at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School to raise money for earthquake and tsunami victims in the battered country.

"A lot of students were asking, 'What are we going to do?' " said Sachiko Gunde, teacher and adviser for the Japanese National Honor Society. "They are ready to help."

Gunde will lead students from the honor society in a drive to raise money by March 24, when representatives from the Japan Business Association of Southern California are set to visit the school and collect donated funds to send to Japan.

Students will go from classroom to classroom at Peninsula to collect the money, Gunde said.

They'll decorate trees on campus with origami figures, roll spare change and collect aluminum cans. Other clubs also plan to get involved in the push to raise funds for disaster victims.

Starting Monday, banners on campus will be available for students to express their condolences to the victims of the tragedy. Trees near Room H32 on campus, donated by Hino Motors company, will hold the origami cranes.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with friends and families in Japan as they fight to put their lives back together," Peninsula Principal Mitzi Cress said.

The Japan Business Association recently published a letter requesting donations for victim support and the rebuilding of devastated areas of the country. The association will accept donations until April 30.

Gunde, who is from Japan, said the past few days have been difficult ones for those on campus still trying to reach friends and family.

"So many people here are trying to get in touch with friends and family in Japan," she said. "Some of them still cannot."

Gunde could not reach her relatives living near Tokyo for two days after the earthquake. She eventually got word that they were safe.

Gunde said students will try to raise as much money as possible in the coming days. 

"[They are] trying to do everything that they can do," she said.

Those interested in donating money can make their checks payable to "The JBA Foundation" (a nonprofit benefit corporation with Tax ID# 95-4066415). Donations may be brought to the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School main office or student store.

Ideas, questions or suggestions can be sent by e-mail to penhshelps@hotmail.com.