The hurricane quartet that hit Florida this fall caused significant storm damage in the Sunshine State, but no area more severely hit than Charlotte County, Florida, which was devastated by Hurricane Charley, the strongest of this year's storms. Charley destroyed half of the county’s fire stations, many homes, a church, and several county emergency shelters, including schools.

Moved by the devastation, students at Catonsville Elementary School decided to do a bit of fundraising for the hurricane victims, as well as have some fun themselves! They adopted Peace River Elementary School in Charlotte Harbor, Florida and during November held a Fitness for Florida campaign.

Like a race or walkathon, students sought donations from family and friends to sponsor their activity. During physical education classes at Catonsville, nearly 400 students completed various types of exercises at fitness stations. They jumped, climbed, pulled, and ran – all for a good cause.

Top performers were recognized for their physical prowess and charitable spirit.

As a result, more than $2,500 has been raised to help the Florida school. Ellen Sheppard, project coordinator and school guidance counselor, was astonished with the students’ response. The school’s original goal was just $500!

“The outpour of giving was overwhelming,” Ms. Sheppard said. “Some students came to the project with sponsored donations in the hundreds of dollars. Children did extra chores or donated their allowance. One of our third graders emptied his ‘penny jar’ to help.

“We are so grateful to the children, their parents, relatives and friends. Thanks to all of them, we can certainly make a difference in the lives of the children at Peace River Elementary,” said Ms. Sheppard.

Story by Marjorie Hampson, Communications Specialist Photos by Ellen Sheppard, Guidance Counselor, Catonsville Elementary School