School District Says Hit and Run Victim's Family Still Needs Help

The De La Torre family got terrific news this week when they learned their 12-year-old daughter's condition was upgraded, but the financial toll of her injuries remains a burden for her family, a district official said.

Berenice De La Torre, a student at , was last month and sustained severe head and leg injuries. She was and has begun rehabilitation, according to Clifton Principal Jennifer Gates.

School Board member Alex Zucco wrote on Facebook Thursday that the De La Torre family still needs financial support after they spent weeks at their daughter's bedside.

"Great news about the Clifton student that was struck by a car...please still consider helping this family financially. With the family at her side, they need help with basic items like rent, groceries," Zucco wrote.

Gates said the district has collected more than $1,000 so far for the family in just a week of accepting donations.

Here's how you can help Berenice's family:

• Monetary Aid: Cash or checks can be delivered directly to the main office of any MUSD school. Checks should be made to the , which will disperse the funds directly to the family.
• Donations: The family has identified four types of gift cards that would be helpful for them to receive. Wal-Mart, Baja Ranch Market, Visa/Mastercard or gas cards can all be delivered straight to school offices.
• Cards: Cards and messages of support can be delivered straight to the Clifton main office.