By Khalida Sarwari
The Alum Rock School District in San Jose has planned a holiday fundraiser this weekend for a Lee Mathson Middle School student who is still recovering after being shot in the head while trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
The boy and his friend were attacked shortly before 10 p.m. on Oct. 31 in a parking lot at 2001 Story Road while they were trick-or-treating. Police believe the attack was gang-related but said there is no indication the victims had any gang involvement. Four teens were arrested for the attack.
The school district will host a fundraiser Saturday to raise funds for the victim’s family and to celebrate his coma recovery. District spokeswoman Aurora Quevedo said the family has been in financial straits of late.
“They’re extremely thankful and they feel supported and embraced especially by the child’s teachers and the staff at the school,” Quevedo said. “We’re going to rally around this Alum Rock family and hopefully put some resources in their hands for their basic needs.”
The event begins at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Mi Pueblo Foods Center at Capitol Avenue and McKee Road.
During the fundraising event, a student mariachi band will entertain crowds from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be pooled with funds raised by the San Jose Police Officers Association.