Blog: LCHS Seniors Raise Money For New Orleans

Last Saturday morning residents in La Canada Flintridge making their weekend trek to Starbucks next to Gould Avenue, were surprised to see a table out front, filled with delicious baked goodies to accompany their soy vanilla lattes or caramel macchiatos.

With the permission from Starbuck's management, a group of LCHS upper classmen baked homemade banana bread, muffins, granola and other savory items to help raise money for their high school club, the St. Bernard Project. The students are helping to raise awareness and funds for families affected by hurricanes Katrina and Isaac.

Two years ago, Rebecca Villalpando, Tammy Hsu and Elizabeth Weinlein traveled for one week over Spring break with the organization Rustic Pathways, to help rebuild homes in New Orleans. These dynamic young ladies cut wood, mixed cement and hammered nails each day with people from the St. Bernard project. In the evening the group soaked up the unique culture, food and music.

Upon their return, they started a St. Bernard Project club on the LCHS campus. They've baked homemade delectables and continue to sell cool T-shirts that Villalpando designed. Villalpando is the President of the club, Weinlein the V.P. and Hsu is the Treasurer.

The St. Bernard Project has built 440 homes with the help of these La Canada girls and 40,000 other volunteers. The organization also rebuilds the emotional lives of the families who lost everything during Katrina.

On Aug. 29. 2012, Hurricane Isaac hit New Orleans. It was seven years to the day after Katrina wrecked havoc to the community. The club's goal this year is to continue working hard to help provide support for the many vulnerable families in New Orleans that need assistance. 

There are over 8,000 people living in New Orleans that don't have the money and resources to rebuild the homes that they own. If you would like to support the St. Bernard Project, go to http://www.stbernardproject.org/.  Mention the LCHS Saint Bernard chapter.