Schools across Southern California typically close their doors on Monday in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But Montclair High School kept its doors open for the 11th year, as students showed up by the hundreds to participate in an annual fundraiser.
- Walk-a-thon raises money for homeless students
- Students wear matching t-shirts to de-stigmatize homelessness
- Event has raised over $200K
The walk-a-thon, called "Miles for Montclair" raises funds on behalf of a unique cause. Instead of sending the money outward to a third party organization, the funds support 264 homeless students on campus.
"I myself am an independent student, so the money that our school raises benefits students who are in situations like me," said senior, Preciosa Hernandez. "
"I care for myself," she continued. "I don’t live with my parents. I don’t live with my family for that matter of fact. Right now, i’m actually paying rent. I’ve been on my own since freshman year.
Amahl Thomas co-founded the event in 2009 after realizing just how many of his students were dealing with these issues.
"[The event] is just basically letting everyone know this could happen to anybody and we have each other’s backs," he said of the cause.
To that point, every student wears the same yellow t-shirt in an effort to de-stigmatize homelessness.
Overall, the event has raised nearly $220 thousand dollars, with funds allocated to housing stipends, book fees, scholarships, and other costs.
"To know that my peers are unintentionally supporting me in different aspects. That’s a good feeling," Hernandez said with a smile.