Principal Ralph Moore and students from Cool Valley Elementary School presented a check to Yvonne Berry and Arthur Hailand of the Red Cross.

Cool Valley Elementary School, located in North St. Louis County, is in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. The school’s motto is “Preparing for tomorrow by doing our best today”. In an effort to “do their best” for Haiti, the principal and student initiated a fundraiser. This fundraiser ignited excitement among the students, faculty and parents.

School Principal Ralph Moore and students at Cool Valley Elementary School wanted to help families in Haiti who were displaced by the earthquake. The students decided to rally together and donate their coins toward disaster relief. They knew that every student, regardless of financial status, could participate in the effort. Pennies found in the car, nickels under sofa cushions, quarters in coat pockets and money given to them from parents were placed in a glass jar designated for “Haiti Disaster Relief.”

As the collected amount grew, the school decided that the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter was the designated agency to receive the funds. On March 9th, Principal Ralph Moore and four student representatives came to Chapter to make the donation. CEO Cindy Erickson greeted the students and commended them for a job well done. The Cool Valley Elementary School is proud of the fact that the fundraiser, made up of coins and yes, some dollars, is making a big change in Haiti.

To see more photos from our dedicated community partners, visit the Haiti Relief Donor Photo Gallery, and stay tuned for more stories of generosity from our community.

Thank you Cool Valley Elementary School!!

Yvonne

Yvonne Berry is the Manager of Volunteer Resources for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.