As most of you have heard by now, Southern California has been devastated by recent firestorms. The community where we live, Rancho Bernardo, was gravely affected by the Witch Creek fire and while our condo was thankfully spared, the family of a very close friend of little Shaka's lost everything as their apartment at La Terraza, in the Westwood subdivision of Rancho Bernardo, burned to the ground.
We came to know the Lopes family in the fall of 2005 as Shaka entered preschool at Hope Christian Preschool. Immediately Shaka became very close to three other little boys; Raphael (Lopes), Alex and David. The foursome remained close over the next two years and while each of them entered different kindergarten programs, as mothers, we vowed to keep the boys in contact.
Raphael's family - the Lopes' - immigrated from Brazil several years ago to pursue the proverbial American Dream and settled here in beautiful Rancho Bernardo. The father, Arthur, works full time and Claudia, the mother, works part-time. In addition to 5 year-old Raphael, the Lopes' have another son who is 21. Ironically, the family moved to La Terraza just three months ago in order to be closer to Raphael's elementary school.
Most of us in Rancho Bernardo went to sleep Sunday believing that we were only going to be affected by the air quality and smoke from the fire, yet I awoke Monday morning at 5am to my mother calmly, but firmly telling me that we'd need to evacuate, and that the flames were within site of our patio. A similar scene was unfolding for the Lopes family, except that the flames were much closer and were quickly approaching their apartment building. The only items the family had time to grab were a few pieces of clothes that they were able to carry.
The Lopes family moved here to provide their sons with a better life and to fulfill what they viewed as the American dream and now they literally have only the clothes on their backs.
I am honored to call the Lopes family my friends. I am thankful for the sweet, pure friendship between Raphael and Shaka. I am moved by the absolute, and resolute, character of both Arthur and Claudia. To that end, I am initiating a "Rebuild the Home" drive (Reedifique a Casa) for the Lopes family. I will collect donations, items and gift cards at the preschool where we met the family and where Zenzele is currently a student. I am asking that you give anything that you are able. Whatever denomination of gift card that you can afford to give will be greatly appreciated by the family. I am suggesting stores from which household items and clothing can be purchased (e.g. Target & JCPenney).
Below are several drawings that Raphael did recently.
I understand that it may not be feasible for everyone to send something. For those that can, a gift card, gently used clothes, toys or books for 5 year old Raphael would be perfect. From the bottom of my heart I ask that you help in whatever way possible. This family is a wonderful, honest, genuine, hard working family and they are left with nothing. While some aid will be available to assist with finding a new apartment and buying some basic items, funding isn't available to completely re-establish their home.
Lastly, in the event you were wondering, the name of this blog is Portuguese for "Spirit of Giving". Please feel free to pass this site along to like-minded people. I will chronicle your kindness, and the progress of the Lopes family, here on this site.
If you choose to write a check rather than a gift card, it can be made out to: Arthur Lopes. Please send all items and donations care of:
Elena Greene
16430-B Avenida Venusto
San Diego, CA 92128
Thank you so very much,
Elena Greene
