DOWNEY — Warren High School is in the midst of a fundraising drive for the True Lasting Connections Family Resource Center (TLC) and things are getting mad.

The fundraiser began two weeks ago and will continue through next week. The Bears are contributing both in class and online.

According to ASB director Jay Waldron, the goal is to raise around $30,000. So far, over $13,000 has been donated.

Students aren’t just fundraising either; they’re competing as well.

Warren teachers and staff are pitted against one another in a March Madness style bracket, seeing who can raise the most money for TLC.

“We mimic it after the NCAA tournament,” said Waldron. “Every day, whether it’s a collection day or not, teachers come and they give the donation, and they go head-to-head against another teacher’s class, and if they have more that day, they advance.”

The competition comes with several incentives, including a carne asada luncheon for the winning class. Jostens will even provide the winning teacher with their own championship ring.

Teacher Adriana Major, who previously won the competition, says students are “pumped” about the drive. So far, she’s made it to the Sweet 16.

“It’s exciting, and nerve-racking at the same time,” said Major. “But it’s fun for the kids.”

It hasn’t been all that difficult to get students on board.

“A lot of them are pretty eager to donate,” said Major. “Every day I have my little bucket, pass it around, and ring a bell. Do what we need to do to collect money, donations.”

According to Waldron, Warren has supported TLC annually for several years.

“TLC does so much for the community, and a lot of people I think don’t really know the impact that TLC has on so many lives, not only here at Warren High School but throughout all our schools,” said Waldron.

TLC offers a variety of services and resources to students and families who are in need, ranging from various health services, vision care, teens in crisis, parental education, food and clothing, backpacks and school supplies, counseling and grief support groups, referral services, low-cost health insurance enrolment, and homeless support.

TLC Coordinator Luz Perez says that there is “something very special” about the support that TLC gets from the school sites.

“The work that we do at TLC can be very draining,” said Perez. “So, the support that we get from the school sites, it’s not just financial support to us, it’s just very uplifting.”

Perez gave special thanks to both Waldron and Warren Principal Dr. Cari White.

“[Waldron] gets so excited, and he really believes in the cause. I can see it every year when he calls me; he gets very excited about fundraising for us and I know it’s a lot of work,” said Perez. “It’s also very helpful that the principal Dr. Cari White is one of our biggest fans, so I want to thank her as well.

According to Perez, Downey High School will begin their fundraising for TLC next month.

Those wishing to donate may do so online at https://verticalraise.com/fundraiser/warren-high-school-tlc-drive-23-fundraiser/, or on Venmo at WHS-TLC.

Checks can also be made payable to Warren High School.