Vandals Cause $30,000 Worth of Damage at Long Beach Catholic School
In a shocking display of disrespect and destruction, vandals targeted Holy Innocents School in Long Beach, California. The Catholic school, which has been serving the community since 1958, fell victim to an attack that left at least $30,000 worth of damage in its wake.
The perpetrators, described as unholy vandals, not only tore apart classrooms and stole audio-visual equipment but also decapitated a statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The statue, a symbol of reverence and devotion for the school community, had stood on the premises for decades before it was ruthlessly destroyed.
Principal Cyril Cruz expressed his shock and dismay over the incident, wondering aloud about the motives behind the attack. “I don’t know if there is some healing that needs to be done or if there’s some hatred towards the religious objects or towards a Catholic church,” Cruz told NBC Los Angeles. Despite the senseless act of vandalism, Cruz shared that the students have chosen to respond with grace and compassion, offering prayers for the perpetrators.
The vandalism spree left school officials and the community reeling, with other statues also damaged in the attack. The school, located in a neighborhood that Cruz described as “not so very good,” primarily serves low-income families and relies on Title I funding to support its operations. Cruz emphasized that the majority of the school’s students receive tuition assistance, dispelling misconceptions about the school’s financial status.
In response to the devastating incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the school recover from the damage. The campaign quickly gained traction, raising nearly $90,000 of its $100,000 goal through the generosity of over 750 donors. The funds raised will go towards restoring the school and repairing the damage caused by the vandals.
Despite the senseless act of destruction, the school remains committed to its mission of educating young minds and hearts through a Classical Liberal Arts curriculum grounded in the teachings of the Church. The community has rallied together in support of Holy Innocents School, demonstrating resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
