Students Collect Donations For Christian Aguilar Search
MIAMI (CBS4) - A donated truck filled with supplies was bound for Gainesville Saturday night destined for those taking part in the search of a missing South Florida teen.
The shovels, machetes, boots and water inside will be given to the volunteers helping took look for clues in the disappearance of University of Florida freshman Christian Aguilar.
"We weren't planning this, but we didn't know we were going to get so much water and they need all the water out there they can get," volunteer Michelle Lapiana said of the overwhelming response from the community. They decided to head to North Central Florida Saturday night instead of Sunday to distribute the much-needed supplies.
Home Depot Store #207 in Cutler Bay donated hundreds of bottles of water to fuel thirsty volunteers.
Many Doral Academy students are in Gainesville looking for the 18-year-old, while others remain in South Florida hoping to spread awareness locally. Aguilar and Pedro Bravo, the teen charged with murder in Aguilar's disappearance, both graduated from the school.
"He's a very sweet, very nice kid," Aguilar's former classmate Jenina Valdes said. "He got along with everyone. He graduated at the top of his class. This is very heartbreaking what's going on."
Valdes held a sign Saturday asking for donations. The collection box filled quickly. Some people gave a dollar, while others gave hundreds. The money came from students and strangers alike.
"There was one particular lady who came up to me and she came up to the box and she said this is my rent money, but I have to give this to you. I have to. And we just broke out in tears," Martha Valdes explained. Valdes was among those driving the donations to Gainesville Saturday night.
The phrase "Help Find Chris" has become a mantra for students at Doral Academy. They put together a video in honor of the missing graduate.
They're still reeling from the news Bravo, 18, could have killed Aguilar.
"For this to happen, it shocked all of us," Jenina Valdes said.
The plan is to continue accepting donations until the search is over.
You can drop them off at Sweetwater City Hall on Monday, October 1st.
Volunteers still need snacks and bug spray.
Donations made to Doral Academy will go to support Christian Aguilar's family.
For more information on how to donate, visit www.helpfindchris.com.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
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PREVIOUS DEVELOPMENTS:
MD Urban Rescue Team Assisting In Search For UF Student
EXCLUSIVE: Photos Reveal The Real Pedro Bravo
Suspect In UF Teen Disappearance: 'Shovel, Duct Tape For My Car'
No Cell Phone Activity For Missing UF Student
Former Classmates Hold Out Hope For Missing UF Student
Suspect Charged In Relation To Missing Miami Teen In Gainesville
