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Two San Diego siblings are receiving much-deserved recognition for their work to benefit families in need in Mexico.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniella (17) and Gabriel Benitez (15) raised enough money to fund the construction of homes with furnishings, each of which costs $16,000, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Through their work with the local nonprofit Build A Miracle (BAM), Daniella and Gabriel were able to head to Tijuana to help build homes for selected families.
On September 18, the two poured a concrete slab for a $16,000 house made possible by Gabriel's fundraising efforts.
They will return on October 9 and 23 to do the same to start construction on the next two houses they have funded.
Daniella volunteered on her first BAM project at age 12. Over the years she and her brother have collected over $230,000 in donations and have completed 11 houses.
The two recently received The President's Volunteer Service Award at the gold level and a commendation letter signed by President Joe Biden.
“The recognition from our president is an honor, and I’m very grateful for the award,” Daniella told the Union-Tribune.
Daniella has also been featured in People magazine, Good Morning America, and the Today show.