Area schools raising funds for charities

Many local schools are holding charity events and toy drives, aiming to meet local charity needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina which drew many donations to the southern part of the country.

People are always looking for places and ways to give during the holidays, Eagle Ridge administrative assistant Sarah Hess said. She said she doesn't think the outpouring of help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is going to affect holiday giving too much.

Through Friday, Notre Dame Regional High School students are collecting canned goods for Fish volunteers of Cape Girardeau, a local food pantry.

Jackson High School is working with the local Elks Lodge to collect canned goods. Central High School just finished its canned food drive.

Notre Dame freshmen are working with St. Cecilia's Parish in Kennett, Mo. to collect 60 hams, 60 boxes of cornmeal and 60 cans or bags of beans to give 60 families a holiday meal for the parish's Hispanic mission.

School charity has also taken on an international scope with students at Notre Dame sending toys to Guadeloupe, Mexico.