Principal David Capizola presented the check during a ceremony this week.

"It's incredible to see how the children want to help contribute," said Yvette Soto, director of development and public affairs for the Red Cross.

The fifth-grade student council collected money each week.

Fourth-grade teacher Lori Little took the money to Commerce Bank, where she exchanged loose change for dollar bills and, eventually, a nice-sized check.

"(The kids) gave up their birthday money, snack money and anything else they could get," Little said. "They knew it was a good cause, and they cared about the hurting families."

Several Cumberland County schools -- including those in Vineland and Millville -- and Scout troops also collected money in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Soto said.

Some did it out of patriotism. Others did it to help their fellow kids.

"I like helping other people," said Milanesi student Ana Nicolo, 6. "I'm just wishing the families get better."

''It's incredible to see how the children want to help

contribute."

--Yvette Soto, Red Cross