Fourth-graders Emily Jamieson (from left), Ella Haaseley, Samuel Todesco and Holdin Henderson, count quarters as part of St. Amelia School fund raiser for Catholic Charities. (Courtesy of St. Amelia School)

TONAWANDA — One of the core values at St. Amelia School is "Aspiring to Serve." Throughout the school year, students are involved in many different activities and projects that serve our school, our parish and our community.

During the month of March, students brought in state quarters to raise money for Catholic Charities. Why state quarters? Each classroom, pre -K-3 to grade eight, chose a state and the students were challenged to see how many of their state quarters they could find. The class received points for every one brought in. Of course, all quarters, as well as all other coins and bills, were counted toward the total amount each class collected. The top three classes with the most points and the most money collected were Katelyn Kaiser's third grade in first place, Janet Larson's sixth grade class in second, and Jed Likos's fourth grade and Mallory Martin's sixth grade tied for third. All four classes will be going on a field trip to Adventure Landing in Tonawanda. All the classes learned about their state, engaged in a friendly competition and raised a total of $3,266.50 for Catholic Charities. The students brought in a total of 13,064 quarters (state and non-state) were brought in.

Three years ago, our student council started a new tradition. When looking at how they, the students, could assist those in need, they came up with the idea of Easter baskets. Every year the parish's St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry puts together food baskets for a complete Easter dinner for those in need. The student council decided to supplement them. Now, every year at Easter, each homeroom, grades pre-K-3 to grade eight, is assigned their task to make a "Family Easter Basket." Included in the baskets are Easter candy, Easter egg dye kits, toys, etc. This allows families to celebrate Easter as we all know it. The students filled 60 baskets to distribute to local needy families this year.