The Spanish Club is selling bracelets to fund Christmas Day for a family from El Salvador that has recently moved to Brentwood.

After aiding migrant workers and families affected by Hurricane Irma with previous projects, club sponsor Rebecca Mackin and her Spanish Club have decided to “adopt” the El Salvadorian family.

The Spanish Club is selling the bracelets for $2 each to fund Christmas presents for the family’s 3-year-old daughter, Ximena, supplies to help with the family’s upcoming baby, and food for Christmas dinner. 

“Our hope is to buy some Christmas gifts for Ximena and to provide a nice Christmas meal,” Mackin said.

“This is a family from El Salvador currently living here in Brentwood, and sadly a lot of families have been fleeing El Salvador,” Mackin said.

Due to the crime and living conditions in El Salvador, this family traveled to America with only one backpack each. The family is currently awaiting a hearing in which they will seek asylum. 

“Essentially what happens is when they cross the border they are detained,” Mackin said.

To be allowed to stay in America legally, the family has to prove that they would be in immediate danger if they were to go back to their home country. Mackin thinks it’s important that people realize that the family is not staying here illegally, but rather waiting for their hearing for asylum.

Mackin is grateful for how excited her students were to “adopt” and raise money for this family.

“It’s awesome. I’ve had students who missed the (initial club) meeting who come in asking for bracelets to sell,” Mackin said.

Senior club member Christian Forgacs has been selling the bracelets.

“It’s just a really good cause and I think that it’s a really good thing to support,” Forgacs said.

The Spanish Club has raised nearly $300 so far.