LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Burton Valley students support Ukrainian refugees in the Bay Area


Burton Valley students with Ami Dodson from JFCS Photo provided

Burton Valley Elementary's annual AIM Book Bonanza was a success again! Each year, the AIM class chooses a cause and donates the money that they make from their annual fundraiser. This year the AIM class donated the money to Jewish Family Services to help the Ukrainian refugees in the Bay Area, hoping to help them after their long journey from Ukraine to flee from the war.

After weeks of collecting gently used children's books, the class had enough books to start pricing and sorting; they were finally ready to start their sale. The prices ranged from 25 cents to $3. The students also sold handmade origami, rainbow loom bracelets and keychains, bookmarks, as well as raffle tickets, and sports cards. They also had a signed Lady Gaga book bidding, with the winning bid of $115.

The classroom was transformed into a book store and sales started on Dec. 7. All the students worked really hard, and all the effort was worth it. When the sale ended two days later, the AIM students counted up the money for a total of $3,503.61, which was a new record. Not only did the AIM class break the record for the most money raised, but they also broke the record for most books donated from students at Burton Valley Elementary. The remaining books were donated to the Contra Costa WIC program and West County Reads.

The students were filled with joy and pride when they presented the check to Ami Dodson from Jewish Family and Community Services for the Ukrainian refugees. Mrs. Martinsen's class is very grateful for all the support and donations from the BVE students. Their book donations and purchases and book donations made all the difference.