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Kids to the Rescue

KATHRYN SCOTT OSLER

People across the country rushed to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Aid groups have received more than $867 million in donations. Kids are among the biggest helpers. Third graders in Tennessee donated food and supplies. A California boy had other kids make drawings to hang on bare shelter walls. Here are some of the many ways that kids are helping.

Any Change to Spare? Aid groups are accepting piles of pennies. And kids are finding out that loose change adds up quickly. Students in Nevada raised about $2,000 during their coin drive. At the California State Fair, the biggest piggy bank in the world took in more than $5,000 for Katrina survivors in five days.

Leaders of the Packs Sisters Melissa, Jenna and Jackie Kantor of Maryland hoped to collect 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies for kids who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina. By last week, their Project Backpack had gathered more than 10,000 packed packs! "I want a backpack in every kid's hands," Jackie said.

Tubs Full of Love Students in Acworth, Georgia, sent 300 Tubs of Love to Long Beach, Mississippi. The plastic containers were filled with school supplies, food, water and other items. The items were given to a grateful community in need.