Hundreds of people are stepping up to help victims from the Sevier County wildfires. Add Knox County students to that growing group.
From drives to get money to collection efforts to feed to hungry pets, more than two dozen schools in East Tennessee's biggest district are pitching in.
In large and small amounts, students are making a difference. For example, one Blue Grass Elementary School student brought in $300 of his own money to help, according to Knox County Schools.
Here's a list of what's in the works:
*Blue Grass Elementary is asking its students to donate spare change for the Red Cross.
*Byington-Solway CTEC is collecting items such as water, clothes and essentials such as toothpaste and toiletries.
*Career Magnet Academy is collecting water and snacks for first responders. The first load was delivered on Nov. 29 and a second load will be delivered Thursday.
*Carter Elementary is gathering bottled water, Gatorade, lip balm, wool socks and cereal bars for first responders. They are also collecting diapers and wipes, cat and dog food for displaced residents. The items will be delivered Friday.
*Cedar Bluff Elementary’s Nature Club is spearheading a collection of supplies and money/gift cards. Donations will be presented Friday.
*Central High School’s Physical Education Department is collecting donations for the Sevier County Animal Shelter to help care for the many displaced animals and pets.
*Christenberry Elementary: Students are being encouraged Friday to wear their favorite hat and/or pajamas and bring $1 to give to those in need from the fires. The school is also collecting new items to donate, according to the system.
*Corryton Elementary is collecting items Friday such as food, water, toiletries and pet food to be taken to Sevier County over the weekend.
*Dogwood Elementary staff is collecting supplies to be delivered at the end of the week.
*Farragut Middle is accepting donations that will be given to the American Red Cross. They're also collecting toiletry items and protein bars.
*Farragut High School SGA is collecting donations in first block classes.
*Gibbs High School's Criminal Justice classes have organized a schoolwide effort to take up bottled water, Gatorade, snacks, protein bars, eye drops, and more for first responders in Sevier County. Other students and people in the community have been helping with donations, collecting items and assisting in taking the items to Sevier County.
*Halls Middle’s Random Acts of Kindness Club is taking donations for delivery to the Ford Dealership in Sevierville for distribution.
*Hardin Valley Academy is conducting a schoolwide drive for items, including things displaced pets may need. It also is collecting cash donations and water. The effort is being coordinated through the Planned Acts of Kindness Club.
*Karns High is welcoming students and staff to bring needed items.
*Karns Middle is collecting toothbrushes and toothpaste through its student council. Also, the girls’ basketball team is collecting money. Also, the school has a hat day scheduled for which donations will be earmarked for animal shelters and the care of animals.
*Northshore Elementary is hosting “Dimes for a Disaster” and hopes to raise $1,000 for relief efforts.
*Powell High is a collection hub for the Powell community. Educators plan to donate directly to Gatlinburg-Pitman High School to help displaced faculty, staff and students.
*Powell Middle is working with its PTSA to host a food/water/supply drive through Friday for the American Red Cross shelter in Sevierville.
*Ritta Elementary will collect money Saturday, Dec. 3 during its holiday craft fair. Students are also being asked to bring in other needed items in the upcoming weeks.
*Sam E. Hill Preschool is making cards and collecting water and power bars for first responders as well as gathering games and activities for small children.
*South-Doyle will take donations this Friday night at the first home basketball game. If you bring a case of water, pack of Gatorade, box of protein bars, a bag of dog/cat food or other needed items you'll get free admission into the game. All donations will be taken to the drop off point in South Knoxville.
*Sterchi Elementary will hold a "hat day" fundraiser Friday. Everyone who wants to participate can donate $1, with money raised donated to the relief effort.
*West High is collecting items for the relief effort with a special focus on the needs of first responders. The school is collecting Chapstick, water, energy bars and gum. Also, they're taking donations of pet food, diapers and other items of necessity.
*West Valley Middle is conducting a donation drive through Wednesday, Dec. 7 for the Red Cross.