On September 3rd this year, a Holyoke community member Will Burke and a few of his friends; Jackie Jordain, Miranda Burnette, and Tempst Vermette got together to raise money for the victims affected by hurricane Harvey.

Many people were affected by this hurricane and these students got together to help make a difference by selling baked goods.

“The pumpkin bread was my favorite,” said thirteen year old Burke. Brownies and chocolate chip cookies were also sold. All prices were below five dollars. The group of students raised an incredible amount of 742 dollars!

All the earnings were donated to Portlight Inclusive Disaster Relief. This charity helps states serve people with disabilities during times of need.

“I think about when they rescued those ladies from the nursing home who were waist deep in water, they didn’t take their wheelchairs. They will need new chairs to get around.” Will knew that Portlight was the right organization to donate to. The money they raised is in good hands and will help many people during this time.

Unfortunately besides the hurricane Harvey disaster, there were more hurricanes on the way after that. Hurricane Irma hit different locations in the islands and also Florida. In addition, hurricane Maria has pounded Puerto Rico and left the island 100% without power. Although Will and his friends did not raise money for these most recent hurricanes, he hopes for you to help make a change and donate to different charities to make a difference for these people. Best of luck and well thoughts to the victims affected by these natural disasters.