With the historic wildfires in Los Angeles in the news, it was easy to feel discouraged, sad, and even hopeless. With a variety of efforts coming together to support the people of LA, one CMS sixth grader saw an opportunity to bring a smile and some hope to the situation

I was just thinking about what people would like to happen to them if they are going through something rough and I wanted to bring a smile to their faces,” said Mya Sanders. “I thought about what it would be like to have your childhood home with all your pictures and belongings gone and I wanted to remind them that it is going to be ok.”

News of a Chicago nonprofit organization sending resources to California was the next bit of inspiration. Among the truckload of essentials and supplies was a giant teddy bear that had the message of “sending love and support from Chicago,” which seemed like the perfect image to use. 

“Ms. Heflin had the idea to make a picture and we ended up with thirteen pieces of art,” said Mya. “Art is a gift that no one can do except for you. It is one of a kind and really it is priceless.”

CMS Art Teacher Sarah Heflin helped to coordinate the next steps. She researched some schools in the area and got connected with the Pasadena Educational Foundation who connected her to Eliot Arts Magnet, an arts focused middle school that was damaged in the Eaton Fire. 

“The art was all created digitally and we printed and matted it and sent it off via FedEx,” said Heflin. “We would really love to create a sense of community with that school and grow this connection. I would happily display their artwork here someday!”

The shipment of motivational art pieces along with a letter of love and support signed by all of the artists was scheduled to arrive before Valentine’s Day and will be displayed at the school currently hosting Eliot Arts programming. 

“This is my first time doing something like this,” said Mya. “Anyone can do something to help people feel better so I felt that I should do it. I hope that they see these pictures and think that it is really nice that people thought of them and created something for them.”

Thank you to all of the students who brought the #BeEvergreen spirit to others in their time of need!