Gilroy High Raises Over $400 for Japan

The count is in: Gilroy High School has raised $405.77 to help the Red Cross's efforts in Japan, according to Associated Student Body President, Colleen Tanaka.

Brittany Smith, a member of the group and former exchange student to Gilroy's Japanese sister city, proposed the fundraiser shortly after a 8.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the country on March 10.

“It was so surreal to see waves heading in toward the coast and not being able to do something,” Smith, a senior, said

Takko-Machi, one of six sister cities, was spared much of the devastation that spread throughout coastal Japan. Yet after more than twenty years of close relations, many Gilroy residents felt personally affected to the country after the disaster.

“Telling students that it’s for our sister city really helps it hit home,” Smith said.

More money may trickle in as various donation jars spread throughout Gilroy are added to the total on Monday.