Thirty-six members of the Santa Maria High School Link Crew raised a little more than $1,000 during a Day of Hope coin drive Wednesday morning.

The Saints team collected the donations throughout the campus during the annual fundraising event aimed at supporting local cancer patients through Mission Hope Cancer Center.

“This is my second year in Link Crew, and I love being part of the Day of Hope fundraiser. It feels amazing to know we’re helping others in our community.” said Imelda Garcia Merida, a senior.

“This is my first year in Link Crew, and I’m so excited to be part of the Day of Hope fundraiser. It feels great to know I can make a difference,” said sophomore Ryan Rick.

Activity director Adrian Salazar praised his students for their hard work, enthusiasm, and supporting such an important cause.

“We’d like to give a special shout-out to our All-Stars — Ms. McColm and Ms. Gonzalez — who went above and beyond,’’ Salazar said. “A big thank you as well to those who supported them with such generosity.’’

The Link Crew connects upperclassmen to the freshmen class by welcoming them to various campuses and helping them through their high school experience.