On April 16, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Ecuador. The earthquake, which did the most damage along the southern coast, killed 682 people, injured 27,742, and left 525 people missing. In its wake, the people of Ecuador have been left starved, injured, homeless, and mentally scarred. As a result, the sixth grade has headed up the challenge to send medical supplies to Ecuador to aid the victims of the quake. This drive will hopefully help heal the victims and get them back on their feet. Sixth-grade science teacher Mrs. Mandy Sukhu has asked for items such as wound care kits, Neosporin, Tylenol, Advil, bandages, gauze pads, and cream mosquito repellant.

“I really cannot take any credit for coming up with this project,” admitted Sukhu. “[Student Council President] Nicolas Lama is the one who heard of all the devastation in Ecuador and wanted to help. I just happened to be in charge of the sixth-grade community service project and was fortunate enough to hear of his good ideas from Mrs. Poncy.”

According to Sukhu, Lama’s family handled getting the supplies to Ecuador. “The Lama-Molano family has generously offered to send the supplies to Ecuador for the school,” Sukhu explained. “It is important that we do what we can to help the people suffering from this terrible catastrophe, and I am just glad to be a part of the effort.”

Lama’s call to action was motivated by a global perspective. “I was very determined to help the people of Ecuador because I believe when disaster strikes, we should look at ourselves as not just citizens of this country or that country, but as citizens of the world,” said the eighth grader. “I also have family in Ecuador, who are thankfully all safe. The Benjamin School has taught me the qualities of leadership and empathy. We must put ourselves in Ecuadorian peoples’ shoes, people who lost everything because of the earthquake, and help in whichever way possible.”

The supplies were collected through the first two weeks of May, with each of the sixth-grade advisories taking turns holding signs during drop-off at the various dots, urging families to donate. On May 17, they were delivered to the people in Ecuador. “I am not sure the exact count, but we sent off two large boxes and about eight medium-sized bags filled with medical supplies,” said Sukhu. “The supplies went with a group of doctors who traveled to Ecuador.”

Thanks to the support of students and their families, TBS was able to assist in the relief effort. “This project was a very good idea,” said sixth grader Ignas Berciunas. “I think that, even if it is small, we can make a difference.”