Ledger Staff Writer

The Cherokee County School District will make a $6,380 contribution towards tsunami relief efforts to help victims of the disaster in Southeast Asia.

An earthquake off the coast of Indonesia on Dec. 26 resulted in tsunami waves that devastated several countries.

Upon returning from Christmas break, Cherokee County teachers spent time discussing the tsunami disaster in their classes.

All 18 Cherokee County schools worked together for a couple of weeks in January to raise money that could support rebuilding efforts in countries affected by the disaster, Granard Middle Principal Charles Wright said. Some schools collected change from students in homeroom classes while other schools chose to do more specific fundraisers.

“We wanted to show our support as a school district. We wanted to make a contribution from all the schools so the money could be used to help with the rebuilding efforts in Southeast Asia,” Wright said. “Our kids have learned an important lesson about the importance of giving and helping other people.”

The money collected by schools will be forwarded to the district office, which will then send a check to the appropriate organizations that are helping tsunami survivors. Contributions are helping provide food and safe water, family supplies, mental health counseling, health care and disease prevention and other services for tsunami servivors in Asia.

“When you have middle school students who are worried and concerned about other people, it shows the schools are providing an environment that promotes being a good citizen,” said superintendent Dr. Bill James.