Local schools help Harvey victims

By Lauren Wester

lauren.wester@fct.wpengine.com

Hurricane Harvey, now tropical storm Harvey, has affected countless lives in Texas. This disaster has prompted many across the nation to give their time and money to support relief efforts for the victims – and that includes Franklin County.

Russellville Elementary School and Phil Campbell High School have both been among those making an effort to help the Texas families in need.

In RES’ office, there is a bucket set up where students, parents and faculty alike can make monetary donations until Sept. 8. As of Sept. 1 they had collected almost $300 after their fundraiser in which students could wear a hat to school if they brought a dollar to donate to the cause. All of the money raised will be donated to the Houston Red Cross Association.

“It was actually the students’ idea to help bring relief to these victims,” Paula Young, assistant principal, said.

Some of the classes are also taking up supplies like toothbrushes, toothpaste and even toys for the children who have lost everything in the disaster.

Cortney Green, third grade teacher, said Sept. 8 a tractor trailer will be filled with the donations and taken to a town in Texas where volunteers will help unload the supplies. The tractor trailer and fuel were donated by a Moulton citizen.

RES’ efforts are conjunction with Green’s church, North Highlands Church of Christ, whose youth went to Texas Labor Day weekend with more 20 cases of water and other supplies. The volunteers are mainly helping clean up some of the affected areas and helping people find their things, Green explained.

Phil Campbell High School held a toy drive, “Toys for Texas,” Aug. 28-30. National Honor Society members accepted donations during their lunch period. People could also turn in their donations throughout the day, as well. NHS accepted monetary donations and new or gently used toys. The donations were placed in Amy Gunderman’s classroom until they were taken to Texas over Labor Day weekend.