Drama Club and theater partnered in their latest theatrical production with The Child Crisis Center of El Paso (CCCEP), an organization specializing in providing children with necessary accommodations in moments of crisis in honor of late student Jonathan Ramirez, who lost his battle to COVID-19 last year in the midst of the pandemic. 

“Every year, we do a play in the fall to raise funds for our kids. We love doing live theater as it really helps bring live theater culture to our students,” theater tech. teacher Martha Gutierrez said. “There were three showings to help raise funds, two of which are for our students’ California trip.” 

One showing of Dracula supported CCCEP. A charity dinner was hosted before the showing. Tickets sold for $10 and all the proceeds were donated to the organization. The play took place Nov. 5.

“We sold a few hundred dinner tickets,” theater teacher Marissa Thurman said, “We chose The Child Crisis Center because Jonathan spent some time there.”

Donations of all childrens’ clothing, toys and hygiene products were also accepted. They were collected the week of the play and one week after.

“I would say we received around four large bags full of clothing and toys. I believe the show was successful. We had a lot of donations,” Gutierrez said. “I’m so proud of all the teachers and coaches who helped out.” 

The CCCEP is also in need of suitcases for children, who often relocate to different homes and shelters. 

“It’s something to help kids that are in the same situation,” Gutierrez said, “We know it is very difficult, so anything to help counts.”

The local non-profit helps children by assisting with shelter, meals, transportation and medical attention. 

“Jonathan impacted our lives tremendously, he was a gentle, kind soul who tried to maintain a normal existence despite horrific circumstances,” Thurman said. “I hope that our efforts will honor Jonathan’s life and hopefully people will remember what an amazing boy he was.”