After the recent passing of seventh grader Abdullahi Charif, friends of his sister, senior Khadija Charif, began to look for ways to demonstrate their support.

Close friends of Khadija Charif sold ribbons during all lunches March 10 through March 14, according to junior Destiny Hulke, one of the students organizing the sale.

“The money is going to the family directly,” Hulke said. “We wanted to assure every cent went to the family and thought that this was the best option.”

As well as wanting to provide financial support, Hulke said the ribbons were sold during the lunches to help emotionally support Khadija and her family.

“We all thought about Khadija and wanted her to know that we loved her and cared for her,” Hulke said. “We felt like we had to do something to help her even if it was as small as this.”

Hulke said she thought it was vital students become involved in showing support and raising money for the family, rather than just the school.

“It doesn’t feel as heartfelt when it’s the school doing (fundraising),” she said. “If it’s from the students, it’s coming from a more personal level.”

Agreeing with Hulke, junior Zach Hallberg said he believed it also helps those donating.

“It helps us learn compassion and how to help out other students,” Hallberg said.

According to Hulke, ribbon sales generated around $130-140. Additional donations may be taken or mailed to any Citizens Independent Bank.