After hearing that her school was having a fundraiser, Amanda Medina and her pet Speedy Gonzalez, a baby iguana she got as a gift, sat in front of her home in Guttenberg on Sept. 16 asking people for donations. Medina did most of the legwork, while Speedy hid in her pocket.
The 11-year-old Medina, who loves to go fishing on the weekends, put that hobby on hold to help those affected in the World Trade Center tragedy two weeks ago. Medina and her grandmother Ann also went up and down 68th Street asking friends and neighbors for donations. The response they received was overwhelming.
"People gave lots of donations," Medina said during an interview at her home last week. "I asked people passing by for support."
Medina has raised almost $300. Approximately a third of it came from her piggy bank.
"My grandmother told me to save money and not spend it on junk," she said. "I thought this was a good time to use it."
Ann Medina is very proud of her granddaughter. She helped and encouraged Medina to do what she felt was right.
"She is a very caring person. She is trying to help," said Ann.
Medina is a fifth grader at Anna L. Klein elementary school in Guttenberg. Fishing is her passion, but for now, she wants to help the firefighters and police officers in New York City.
"I want to support the fire department," Medina said, smiling. "It made me feel good that we’re doing something for New York City."
The event that happened at the World Trade Center left an impression with young Medina. She was in her classroom when the planes crashed into the towers, and the news scared her.
"This is sad. I felt we had to do something for our country," she said.
Anna L. Klein principal Bob Tholen was surprised by Medina’s commitment to help. He has seen the school united the last couple of days to raise money, but Medina’s efforts were outstanding.
"We organized a fundraiser for the victims. Amanda has done a great job," Klein said. "Everybody has helped."
It has been difficult explaining to students what happened in New York City, but Tholen and his staff are taking everything one step at a time.
Eighth grade teacher and the school’s student council advisor Donna Grzybowski organized the fundraiser. Half of the money raised will go to the American Red Cross and the other half will go to the World Trade Center Relief Fund.
"I understand she [Amanda] raised a lot of money," Grzybowksi said. "The day of the tragedy the kids were stunned. I think they are edgy and nervous about it."
Grzybowski expects to raise close to $700 by the end of the month.
When the school concludes its fundraiser, Medina will see how the weather is on the weekend. She is eager to pick up her rod and go fishing with Speedy.
"I want things to go back to normal," she said. "Speedy and me want to catch some fish."
People interested in contributing to the school’s fundraiser can send their donation to: Anna L. Klein School, 301 69th St., Guttenberg, NJ 07093.