Students at Kenna Elementary have explored the character trait of caring by contributing to relief efforts in Haiti.

Spearheaded by second grade teacher Martha Parr, a coin drive was held for three days last week to raise funds for International Missions Outreach (IMO). Parr said IMO is based in Clendenin, West Virginia, and is run by John and Joyce Hanson, friends of hers from church.

IMO has been in Haiti since 1969 and is responsible for feeding and educating 5,000 children each day. IMO also runs two medical clinics, 17 schools, and 26 churches. Of the 193 employees in Haiti, 175 of them are teachers.

Parr said IMO and the people of Haiti have “lost a lot” in the recent earthquake, and the coin drive was one thing they could do to help.

Parr said she had hoped they would raise $500 to help IMO in their efforts in Haiti. However, the students managed to raise $1,042.92. Parr said children and their parents were generous in their giving. While some children were only able to give a little, they would bring in what they could, while other students gave their week’s allowance, and parents wrote out checks to help.

She said she was thrilled with the generosity the students and their families showed and the compassion the students have expressed for those who have been affected by this earthquake.

To learn more about IMO, visit www.imohaiti.org.