Community Corner
Fund Established For Girl Struck by Van
A local school principal has opened a bank account to assist the family of an injured girl.
The Martinez family has received a double dose of good news. First, 11-year-old Mercy Rancheria Martinez was upgraded from critical to fair condition after being hit by a van earlier in the week. Second, the community is rallying support to help pay the medical bills.
Steve Bolman, superintendent of Petaluma City Schools, informed Patch Friday afternoon that Matthew Harris, principal of McKinley School, has set up an account at Umpqua Bank to support the Martinez family.
Mercy Martinez, who attends McKinley School, was struck by a van near the campus on Tuesday.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“She is currently at Children's Hospital in Oakland with her mother by her side,” Bolman reported.
Martinez suffered critical injuries when she ran out in front of a Ford van, just steps from the crosswalk. The driver swerved to avoid another girl, but hit Mercy. Police believe the impact caused the girl to get pulled under the van and run over by the moving vehicle. She also suffered head injuries.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Donations to help support Mercy's family can be made directly to the "Mercy Fund" at Umpqua Bank, or checks made out the Mercy Fund and sent to McKinley School 110 Ellis Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 in care of Matthew Harris.
On Wednesday, the proceeds from McKinley’s winter bazaar were also being donated to the family.
