Students Raising Funds to Visit State Capitol

Local parents, students and helpful supporters are working to raise funds for the fourth graders at Walgrove Elementary School to take a trip to the state capital.

On Wednesday, holiday gift givers can support the cause by shopping the holiday boutique, open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on the school's front lawn at 1630 Walgrove Ave.

Visitors can also enjoy baked goods, and treats from The Crepe Guy food truck. Two holiday sing-alongs will take place at 8:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., according to Lynn Jones, a Walgrove parent.

Fourth graders will be selling rainbow loom bracelets to fundraise for their trip, and have been raising funds previously by hosting lemonade stands.

Students must raise enough money for all fourth graders to be able to take the field trip. Supporters hope the holiday boutique will aid in that endeavor, said Jones. 

The purpose of the Sacramento field trip is to learn about California history and government first hand, have fun, and experience government as something more than just words in a textbook, said Jones.

The students will fly from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento, then tour the historic state Capitol building. After the tour, they will meet Senator Ted Lieu and Assembly member Richard Bradford who represent the Walgrove area in California state government.  

Students will then walk back in time by visiting Sutter's Fort State Historic Park to learn about pioneer life in the 1840s, and then learn about the first people of the state when they visit the California Indian Museum. 

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise funds for the field trip. As of Monday shortly after 1 p.m., the website said the tally of raised funds is $1,665. The goal is $3,000.

According to the Go Fudn Me page, "The cost of the trip is over $20,000 and we have managed to raise the majority of the money needed. We have just a small ways to go. Many of the students have never flown on a plane or had the opportunity to meet and communicate with their political representatives. This trip could be a life changing experience for some and you can be a part of making this opportunity come to life for these children. It would be a shame for the children to miss out on this experience because we fell a little short of our goal. Any donation amount big or small is welcome. We thank you in advance and greatly appreciate your generosity!"