They may be only 6 or 7, but they already recognize others in need.
More than 100 Doby Elementary School first graders - six classes of them in all - began collecting cash and coins at the beginning of March to buy tents for the people of Haiti. Since the devastating February earthquake, many are still without shelter.
"The students were asked to bring or collect $1 each," said Michele Hilliker, the teacher who coordinated the effort. "Students were very enthused and took the [country's] losses to heart. They wanted to do something."
In addition to the $1 donations, some children also brought diapers, blankets, clothing and bottles, she said.
The fundraising effort, which was called Dollars for Haiti, brought in $150, which was matched by the Ruskin-SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, whose executive director is the mother of two Doby students.
"We collected stuff for Haiti," said Kate Morrison, 7, "shoes, Frisbees and money. They are really poor there, and they had an earthquake, and they need it."
"We had a little envelope for the money," added classmate Logan Bain, also 7. "And we had a Haiti bag to put things in, like diapers and tents."
Seven tents, three tarps, bungee cords, miscellaneous food and relief items purchased with the $300 will taken Bethanie Seventh Day Adventist Haitian Church in Tampa for distribution.
"This blossomed into much more than we expected," said Catherine Ferguson, school principal. "The students were so excited. We're very proud of them."
In April, Doby kindergarteners collected bottled water for the island nation.
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