‘We all need to eat’: Loudoun students raise money to support World Central Kitchen in Gaza

Independence High School senior Leena Wala became alarmed when she stumbled across photos of starving children and families in Gaza.

Now that Ramadan has begun, Muslims think about the importance of food security as they fast from sunrise to sunset. So Wala started researching ways he could help.

As she learned more about the work different nonprofits were doing to support the community, she set specific goals.

“We wanted to make sure that it actually directly benefits them, the people of Gaza,” Wala said.

Walla eventually discovered chef and activist José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen. The group announced on Monday that a boat carrying 200 tons of food and a team were gathering in Cyprus to prepare for the delivery of maritime aid to Gaza.

World Central Kitchen also raises money to help communities in Gaza, and Wala ultimately decided to support those efforts. She started her fundraising campaign with a goal of $10,000 and says she has already raised more than $4,000.

“I want to help in any way I can, and I want to go to sleep knowing I’m doing what I can to help,” Wala said.

Wala said many of the donors are members of her community in Ashburn, Virginia, who want to help, but “don’t know where they’re actually giving to the nonprofits that donate directly to Gaza.” It was difficult to find.” These are the people who are hungry and really need it. ”

“I just wanted to make it more accessible for them,” Wala said. “Someone needs to step up to help those who are starving in third world countries.”

Many of Wala’s friends have taken steps such as boycotting certain brands. She wishes she could do more.

“We are all human beings. We all need to eat,” Wala said. “We all have fundamental human rights that need to be upheld.”

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