The Palisades Fire was a tragedy that tore through the Santa Monica Mountains, leaving devastation in its wake. Among the countless losses were schools like Marquez Elementary, which became a smoking ruin, displacing teachers and students alike. But in the midst of destruction, a story of resilience emerged. Xochitl Becerra, a Cotsen Mentor at Castle Heights Elementary, stepped up when her colleague—who split her time between Castle Heights and Marquez—reached out for help. With collections of library books destroyed, Xochitl rallied the Cotsen community with a simple yet powerful message: “Could you help collect books for Marquez Elementary?” An outpouring of generosity followed with thousands of donated books filling carloads, sorted by grade level by volunteers, and delivered to temporary school locations.
This effort wasn’t just about books; it was about restoring hope and normalcy for educators and students affected by one of California’s deadliest wildfires. As Xochitl and her team distributed the donations, the impact rippled beyond Marquez Elementary, reaching other schools like Village School and communities in Altadena. “Everyone rallied around each other,” she reflected, “and that is what mattered when one school needed help the most.” In the face of unimaginable loss, this story reminds us that even in the ashes of disaster, the power of community can rebuild lives…and futures.
