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Ballard High School raises $20,000 to help families in need

A non-profit based in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood has identified about 50 families who would directly benefit from the fundraiser.

A high school in Seattle is trying to ease financial burdens for families during the coronavirus crisis. 

Ballard High School, the Ballard High School Foundation and the Ballard PTSA are joining forces to help those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 

"If Ballard families are hurting, then Ballard families want to come together and pitch in to take care of them," said principal Keven Wynkoop. 

Wynkoop said the Ballard Cares fundraiser kicked off just six days ago and has already raised more than $20,000. 

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"We don't want any of our kids, any of our families to be hungry. We don't want them to be kicked out of their houses or apartments. We don't want them to be left behind as we move to more and more digital learning" said Wynkoop. 

Right now, the non-profit has identified about 50 families who would directly benefit from the fundraiser.

"A couple of families have said a printer would make a huge difference in our household to be able to connect and get all of our kids learning digitally," said Wynkoop.

Wynkoop said the group would like to provide families in need with about $100 in groceries weekly, or at least every other week. 

"We know that there's an ever-growing need for numbers of families and the families that are already struggling are struggling even more. We really wanted to reach out within our community to do what we could to take care of our families," said Wynkoop.

Wynkoop feels the uncertainty on both ends: from that of an educator and that of a parent-- his son is a senior at Ballard High School. 

As a parent and community leader, Wynkoop is preparing for the long-term impacts on his students and their families. 

"You know, proms and concerts and plays and spring sports seasons and all of these different things. The students are losing, you know, those are a profound part of who they are," said Wynkoop.

The group created a website for anyone looking for more information on how to donate or to receive help during this difficult time. 

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