Students collecting clothes

Students at Julius A. Wendt Elementary and John C. Thomas Middle schools are collecting gently used blankets and shoes and boots of all sizes for needy people of our community. The collection will go through this Friday

“The idea (for the fundraiser) came from first graders, which I think is great,” said teacher Lisa Ridout. She and her husband both volunteer at Community House in Longview.

Ridout showed her students slides of homeless men, women and children in Cowlitz County, which emotionally touched the kids, she said. One picture in particular of an older man, the students thought could be someone’s grandpa.

The fundraiser is sponsored by Ridout’s first grade class and Eric Hansen’s seventh grade elective class. Which ever class raises the most funds will earn a party, Ridout said.

For more information, contact Ridout at 795-0331 or 795-3261.