“Collectively, we felt that we needed to do something — that we shouldn’t turn a blind eye just because we can but rather take action because we are able to,” said Alanna Fegurgur, a sophomore business administration major at the University of Guam who is handling social media for the project.

With the goal of serving the local community during vulnerable situations, the students launched their project earlier than planned to assist during the pandemic.

They fundraised over a two-week period and have divided the funds among the Guam Memorial Hospital, the Harvest House ministry in support of foster children and families, St. Dominic’s Senior Care Home, and individual families in need of assistance.

“Our beneficiaries all vary in terms of their struggles,” Fegurgur said. “Some need masks, some need PPEs, and some need funds to provide for their families. By means of monetary donations, we are able to give the beneficiaries the freedom to provide for their individual needs.”

The group of students originally knew each other as classmates at Tiyan High School. Eries Jay D. Moreno, a second-year biomedical and psychology double major, brought the team together, which includes Fegurgur; Maria Minas, a sophomore mathematics major; Steven Kho, a sophomore secondary education major; and Keanu Masga, a freshman biology and chemistry double major. The group also includes GenaraAnjulie Montevirgen, who is a business administration major at Penn Foster College (Ariz.).

The group will continue its work to support the community in the future and can be followed on Facebook and Instagram at @thewonderkidproject or reached info.thewonderkidproject@gmail.com.