PEDRO LIZAMA

Pedro Lizama, 13, an eighth-grader at Jefferson Junior High School, collected clothing and school supplies to assist needy children and families in El Salvador. “The idea of the project began with a trip to El Salvador where I saw others my age with less than I have,” Pedro said.

With help from his family, Pedro solicited donations of new and gently used clothing, school supplies and other items. The family purchased other necessities from local stores. “Although budgeting played a key role, we were able to collect a lot of clothes for the people of El Salvador,” he said.

Pedro was able to personally distribute everything he and his family collected when he traveled to his grandfather’s house in the Central American nation. “Because of our efforts, nearly 35 kids will benefit from the clothing and school supplies. I feel that I might go to El Salvador someday or even to another country and help them in any way that I can.”