The earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12 has left its people and infrastructure in ruins. Watching rescue workers and Haitian civilians pull survivors and the deceased from the wreckage, it was difficult not to feel for the people of Haiti and want to help them.Three Samuel Staples Elementary School (SSES) fifth-graders felt the same way. Greg DeCarlo, Sam Pronovost and Joey Sherwood individually approached Principal Kimberly Fox-Santora, wanting to help.

The students asked Fox-Santora if they could organize a fund-raiser through the school. With the principal 's support, they then formulated a plan.

Joey, Greg and Sam knew instantly that they wanted to help in some way; and began developing an idea that would help the Haitian people, Fox-Santora said. Working with them was an absolute pleasure; they are impressive students with impressive character.

The boys decided to sell blue-and-red rubber wristbands, similar to the popular Live Strong bracelets, to raise money for Haitian relief efforts. The wristbands are the colors of the Haitian flag and carry the message SSES Supports Haiti.

With the assistance of a manufacturer in Texas, Wristbands with a Message, the boys were able to get a discounted price. Other private donations were received to cover the cost of the wristbands so all funds collected will go to the relief effort.

Students are being asked to donate $5 for a wristband. The money collected will be presented to the American Red Cross state chapter at another school assembly in early March. The donations will help pay for food, water and materials to rebuild the devastated city of Port-au-Prince.

In a school-wide presentation last week, Lyn McCarthy of the American Red Cross asked SSES students to imagine what it would be like if they no longer had their beds to sleep in, their favorite stuffed animal, or even their toothbrush.

The children were silent, trying to picture what their peers in this foreign country were going through.

Things that we take for granted here, mean so much to the children of Haiti, said McCarthy, thanking SSES students for helping those less fortunate than themselves.

Wristband sales and other donations of any amount will be collected at SSES through Feb. 26. Anyone interested in supporting this cause can visit SSES at 515 Morehouse Road.