The family of Sierra LaMar, the 15-year-old Ann Sobrato High School sophomore from Morgan Hill who has been missing since March 16, announced this morning that the reward for information leading to her safe return now stands at $25,000.
Steve LaMar, Sierra's father, made the announcement in front of volunteers at .
"It was time to increase it," LaMar said of why the family decided to boost the reward. "As a result of fundraising activities, individual contributions and a significant contribution from an anonymous donor, we were able to increase it."
The family had initially set . KlaasKids Foundation founder Marc Klaas and Sierra's mother, Marlene, joined Steve LaMar to announce the increase, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Family friend and search-and-rescue organizer Brian Miller, who personally knows Sierra, said that while the reward is a necessary step, much more must be done to find her.
"The reward is helpful, but it's no guarantee," he added. "We are going to keep searches going."
LaMar said that contributions from the community, monetary or other, have helped support his family through this ordeal.
"We've had great support in a bunch of different ways," he said. "We still have searches going on and people planning fundraisers, so we are grateful for the time and contributions the community has made."
Sierra disappeared on her way to school on March 16, and has not been seen since. Investigators are treating her disappearance as an abduction.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office and volunteers have searched extensively in the area around LaMar's home.
Klaas said that 175 volunteers in 25 search teams took part in the search today.
Besides contributing time and funds, LaMar said that the people can help search for his daughter by being aware of suspicious activity, such as someone suddenly going away for awhile.
"And, as always," he said, "keep an eye out for Sierra."
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