Elena Aguilar and Erika Diaz Tofaeono of the Forest Grove School District’s Family Resource Center received a check for $8,770 from the Rotary Club of Forest Grove to aid the center’s efforts to support the community. Aguilar and Diaz Tofaeono are pictured with Rotarian Janet Peters and Club President Andrea Stewart. Photo by John Schrag.

By John Schrag
It turns out it really does “take a village” to care for our community’s kids. Just ask Erika Diaz Tofaeono, the family resource coordinator for the Forest Grove School District.

Ever since the center opened at Cornelius Elementary School this year, Diaz and her small staff have been serving students’ families by supplying school supplies, clothing, food and hygiene products.

That task got more difficult when funding for federal food security programs was cut this fall. And, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has ramped up in recent weeks, her team has been making home deliveries, as many parents are now wary of coming to a school where 89% of the students identify as Latino.

In comments to the Cornelius City Council earlier this year, Diaz Tofaeono said, “I am here for the families who cannot be here, the families too afraid to step outside their own doors. I am here to be their voice. Every day I witness fear so heavy it follows our students from school back into their homes.”

That fear has taken a toll on Diaz Tofaeono. But on Wednesday, Dec. 10, she told local Rotarians that she finds hope and solace in the positive community response from local businesses, individuals and service organizations, which have come through with donations of time and money.

“These are really tough times right now and we are so thankful for your support,” she said at a holiday lunch gathering of members of the Rotary Club of Forest Grove, which meets at noon, and the Forest Grove Daybreak Rotary Club, which holds morning meetings. “You Rotarians, you know how to work. You just show up and I don’t even need to tell you what to do.”

In addition to its sweat equity, the Forest Grove Rotary Club earlier gathered canned goods for the resource center and on Wednesday presented Diaz Tofaeono with a check for $8,770, which came from the sale of holiday wreaths and matching funds from both the club and the local Rotary District 5100. 

“Our club is incredibly proud to support the Family Resource Center and the vital work it does for students experiencing challenges in our school district,” said club president Andrea Stewart. “Our members continuously step up with their time, resources and generosity to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community feel supported and seen.”

Diaz Tofaeono said that support is particularly appreciated right now. “These funds will help so many families.”

Those wanting to donate food, hygiene products, or money for the resource center can visit the district donation website or drop off supplies at the District Community Resource Center located at Cornelius Elementary, 200 N. 14th Ave.