Dublin 8th Grader Makes Care Packages For Firefighters

DUBLIN, CA — Fallon Middle School 8th grader Amrutha Chunduru has received a Kid Kindness Grant for her work making care packages and thank you cards for firefighters.

Chunduru received one of 47 awards worth a total of $17,109 given by Kindness Grows Here, a Maryland-based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating a culture of compassion and kindness in children. Chunduru will use the funds from grant to continue her project, titled Courage in Action, Kindness in Heart.

"I live in Bay Area, California where there have been many wildfires close to my home in the past few years," Chunduru told Patch in an interview before the wildfires broke out all over Southern California.

"I’ve witnessed how hard the firefighters work when trying to put out a fire. Our family evacuated in 2017 because there was a fire spreading close to our home and It was very frightening seeing the black smoke from the fire. They were very kind and at the same time helped all of us to go to a safe place. I then realized how courageous every firefighter is because they risk their lives to keep everyone safe."

She plans to assemble 36 packages for local firefighters, and distribute them during Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Firefighters Pancake Breakfast in March.

"Firefighters often work long hours in tough conditions, I Looked for essential items to keep them hydrated, think about items that help them to relax after a hard day and keep them safe," Chunduru said. Chunduru is no stranger to volunteering: she has received four Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for completing over 500 hours of community service over the past five years.

Visit kindnessgrowshere.com for more information about the grant program.

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