District Launches Fundraising Drive for Family of Hit-And-Run Victim

The launched a district-wide effort Friday to collect money and donations for the family of the 12-year-old student who was last week.

Clifton Principal Jennifer Gates said she has been working for days to set up a fund for the family of Berenice De La Torre after she suffered head and leg injuries in a hit-and-run collision last Friday. 

Gates said the response from the community has already been "overwhelming--in a good way."

"We've been flooded with calls," Gates said. "The family is really taken aback by the amount of support they have received and what they know is coming."

De La Torre remains in critical but stable condition in a hospital intensive care unit and her family remains at her bedside, Gates said.

Here's how you can help Berenice's family:

• Monetary Aid: Cash or checks can be delivered directly to the main office of any MUSD school. Checks should be made to the , which will disperse the funds directly to the family.
• Donations: The family has identified four types of gift cards that would be helpful for them to receive. Wal-Mart, Baja Ranch Market, Visa/Mastercard or gas cards can all be delivered straight to school offices.
• Cards: Cards and messages of support can be delivered straight to the Clifton main office.

Gates said a phone message about the fundraising drive will be sent out to Clifton parents later today, and all district employees will receive an email about the effort.