DE PERE, Wis. (WBAY) – The devastation from Hurricane Helene has inspired some fourth graders in De Pere to help make a difference.
The idea sparked a campaign called Aid for Animals to help pets impacted by the hurricane. The students made a goal of $300. In less than a week they have surpassed it collecting more than a thousand dollars.
The fourth graders at Heritage Elementary School are learning about natural disasters.
“I had heard on the news that we were supposed to be experiencing these pretty horrific hurricanes, anytime I can tie in something in the real world into what we’re learning about, I just think it enriches what we’re doing. So, I brought it forward to the kids. We read a little bit about hurricane Helene and we immediately we decided we wanted to do something to help,” said 4th grade teacher Emma Reabe.
The students split into committees, getting to work on a plan.
“This is our script that some people made for our Helene so we had something to say to them and not just trying to make it out of our mind that can be really tough,” said Maxwell Leistiko, 4th grade.
They’re taking orders for drawings of your pet in exchange for a donation. Already they’ve got 20 orders, but more than 100 people have donated to their cause so far. The funds raised will go to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“My favorite part was probably making the art and helping other animals,” said Penelope Olsen, 4th grader.
This grassroots effort getting some of these kids out going door to door collecting from the community.
“I’ve already gone around a lot of my neighborhood. I’m still thinking I might try to do more over the weekend,” said 4th grader Jameson Thomson.
These kids are taking orders until Monday the 21st, hoping to inspire others that no matter how small, you can always help make a difference.
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