Harborfields Middle Schoolers Raise $16K To Aid Wounded Vet

By Janee Law

jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Oldfield Middle School students, faculty and PTA members raised $16,000 to purchase a Zoom Trackchair for veteran Julia Torres through The Independence Fund organization. Photo/Harborfields School District

Dressed in red, white and blue, students, faculty and PTA members of the Oldfield Middle School hosted a special pep rally last month to give a motorized wheelchair to a wounded veteran.

After organizing more than 16 different fundraising events throughout the school year, members of the middle school raised more than $16,000 to purchase the Zoom Trackchaior for Julia Torres. The school exceeded its anticipated goal of $15,000. The Trackchair is a motorized chair that enhances mobility.

Torres expressed her gratitude for the middle schoolers’ efforts.

“It is truly admirable and from the bottom of my heart I thank them,” she said.

The Trackchair was purchased through The Independence Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded veterans by providing tools needed to achieve independence and freedom.

Students witnessed the result of their hard work during special pep rally where Torres received her chair. Special guest speaker, Tommy Rieman, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, and executive director of The Independence Fund, attended the pep rally.

“Today we are going to change the life of someone who lost their mobility due to their sacrifices to this nation,” Rieman said. “I want you to walk away today standing proud. You guys are the heroes of today and tomorrow. Oldfield Middle School, the world should know that you are true American patriots.”