A group of parents and children gathered...

A group of parents and children gathered inside a Costa Mesa office

building Tuesday evening to remember those who died in the recent

South Asia tsunami and to pledge support for the youth who survived.

The event was organized by Parent Help USA, a group formed in 1985

to raise awareness of child abuse. Founder and director Sally Kanarek

said she is concerned that children who survived the tsunami will be

treated improperly.

At the candlelight vigil, attendees prayed for the victims and

listened as children read their own letters about the tragedy.

The children will be raising money to send to the surviving youth

by holding a clothing and toy drive in two weeks, Kanarek said.

“This is about kids making a difference,” she said.

“It’s the most beautiful thing, children wanting to help.”

Kanarek said she is planning to write a $1,000 check to send to

help the tsunami victims.

-- Elia Powers