EUGENE, Mo. - Generosity is being collected in the form of canned goods and first-aid products at Cole County R-5 Schools.
More than 400 pounds of food were donated to the Eldon Community Food Pantry last year.
But this year, students got involved.
Sixth-grader Hailey Happy initiated this year's drive.
"Because some people don't have enough food, I wanted to make a difference," Happy said.
The idea struck her at church, and she followed up with research.
Collections began the first week of December and will continue through the last day of school.
Donations have included jelly, canned meats, pasta, vegetables, soup and gelatin.
To encourage her fellow students to get involved, Happy created a construction-paper Christmas tree which hangs at the main intersection of the elementary hallways.
For every 10 items donated, she hangs a round, red ornament on the tree.
Happy's goal is 100 ornaments.
At the high school, donations of mosquito repellent and pain relievers will be headed to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines on Nov. 8.
The Rodrigo family moved to Eugene from the Philippines about five years ago. Although the mom and children recently received their American citizenship, many of their extended family remaining in the island country were impacted.
Although the family suffered no loss of life, all but one aunt lost their homes, so seven families currently are living together, Alyssa Rodrigo said.
"When you know somebody who knows somebody who was affected, it's different than when you read about it or see it on the news," said Rita Parr, a sponsor with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
The FCA organized the Fill-a-Suitcase project last month.
Through Thursday, students and staff have been invited to donate vitamins, pain relievers, first aid items, insect repellent and insect bite medicine.
The health care items will be taken personally by Alyssa's stepfather, Joe Lochirco, after Christmas. He will volunteer in the Philippine recovery for about a month.
In the last several weeks, Alyssa has helped her mother, Annie Lochirco, coordinate several fundraisers across Mid-Missouri, which have raised substantial amounts to help all victims, not just their family, she said.
Alyssa said she was surprised and grateful at the school's response.
"It makes you feel good when your family is appreciated," she said.