San Joaquin Memorial Freshman Rallies to Support Her Community

After the Creek Fire destroyed her house, SJM freshman Mary-Ellison Hage knew what she needed to do after processing her own grief: help her neighbors.

She reflected on the fact that many of her neighbors were elderly and retired and would likely struggle with the loss more than she would. Many neighbors didn't have insurance. She also thought about how some of her neighbors were members of the community Volunteer Fire Department, helping others while their own homes burned to the ground.

"The Cressman community is very special, and it wouldn't be the same without my neighbors," she said. "I wanted to encourage them to go back and rebuild. I wanted them to know that they are not alone and that there is hope. I felt God was calling me to spread His love and to inspire other people to do the same."

In an effort to directly help her neighbors without fire insurance, she asked her parents if she could use their store—Java Express in Selma—to fundraise. She sold sandwiches, salads, chips, drinks, t-shirts, caps and canvas bags. Other businesses even followed her example and created fundraisers of their own.

Through her hard work, she raised $4,000 to support her community.

"After experiencing all this, I learned that God does everything for a reason," she said. "It is important to share our blessings with others and always follow Jesus' example. A small gesture can go a long way. Young or old, little or big, rich or poor, we are all called to make a difference in our community. No good deed is too small. We can all change the world one small act of kindness at a time, if we set our mind to do it!"