In one week, students, parents, faculty and staff at Robert J. Burch Elementary raised $5,590 to help the children affected by the tsunamis and earthquake of Dece. 26.

Parents and relatives wrote checks, students gave up ice cream money, the school store donated funds, teachers paid to "dress down," and students even gave up a bit of homework by donating to get a homework pass.

Burch's students came up with the idea of having a week to focus on helping the victims of the tsunami and then brainstormed a special way of sharing each day. One student suggested getting parents and their coworkers involved. Further brainstorming led to envelopes being decorated by each student, and then sent home for parents, relatives, and coworkers to send back with donations.