Carrie Carr’s fifth grade class points to the area of southeast Asia ravaged by tsunamis and an earthquake December 26, 2004. The class found an alternative way to donate money to the Red Cross disaster relief effort by taking their teacher’s challenge. Hard work and a generous community helped Les Cheneaux Elementary School raise more than $520 for victims of the December 26 tsunamis and earthquake in southeast Asia. The money was delivered to the Chippewa County American Red Cross Chapter last month.

“I honestly thought we’d raise something like $100, so it absolutely floored me when we got $500,” said Elementary Principal Eric Cardwell.

“Some of the staff came to me and said they wanted to help raise awareness and do something,” Mr. Cardwell said. “With the tsunamis happening over the holidays, a lot of students came to school already aware of the incident.”

“It’s been a great talking point here, in geography and for teaching the kids about compassion,” he added. “It’s been tremendous.”

Some students donated privileges. Fifth grade teacher Carrie Carr donated 10 cents for tokens donated by students. Tokens are used like money in the fifth grade and students receive a weekly “paycheck” of 120 tokens. A student can buy the privilege to chew gum or wear a hat in school with a token, or buy candy and toys at auctions.

“When they donate a token, it’s way more meaningful than when they donate money,” Mrs. Carr said.

Keith Bouscher gave up nearly two weeks pay in tokens when he donated 200.

“It felt pretty good helping people,” he said. “We put in a lot of tokens. It (the tsunami) took millions of lives away.”

Jenni Strait donated tokens and money. She asked family members to make donations, and “they gave a lot,” she said.

“It felt good knowing that I’m helping other people across the world,” she said. “I know the tsunami washed away almost all the businesses and the houses.”

Other contributions came from parents, teachers, and even a local business. Maples Sawmill of Hessel offered to match the money raised by Mrs. Carr’s class.

Les Cheneaux Area Girl Scout Troop 169 is raising money through canisters placed at businesses.

The Les Cheneaux Community Schools District raised $452 through a Penny Wars challenge issued by the Eastern Upper Peninsula school principals. Locally, the eighth grade class won the Penny War at Cedarville Middle School, while the senior class won in the High School.