Props to the kids

This was in this morning's paper, about Sparky's class:

The 8th grade class at [N] Middle School could have just whined and moaned when they found that their trip to the [city water park & pool] was canceled because of poor weather, but instead they used the opportunity to help people in need.

They decided to give their money for the pool outing to victims of the apartment fire in [town] May 29 that left 36 people homeless. Giving the money to charity wasn’t their only option. They also had the choice of using the money for a pizza party.

"The students overwhelming thought it was a great idea," said [Sparky's math teacher, Mr. C]... who suggested the idea. "There was next to no debate about it."

[A classmate of Sparky's] ... said he was impressed about how passionate his peers were about the idea.

"Everyone was really enthusiastic, which surprised me because I thought everyone would be bummed about not being able to go to the pool," [he] said. "They made the best out of a not so great situation."

[Mr. C] said that once the students decided to give the money to the ... fire victims, they discussed how fires have affected their lives and loved ones. The topic especially is close to [Mr. C's] heart because he lost his grandfather in a house fire.

The money that the students already gave for the field trip, combined with extra money the students and school staff members pitched in, came to a total of about $520, [Mr. C] said.

"Certainly money will never replace life or memories, but it can provide some of the necessities like clothing and food," [Mr. C] said.

Ironically, the eighth-grade class in [the school] usually does some type of charity work every year, but the class was unable to do such a project this year because of time constraints.

"I guess it was just meant to be," [Mr. C] said.

Omitting my commentary of my own, I'll only add that this is a stellar thing to do. Yeah, Mr. C for suggesting it! And hurrah for (most of) the kids for agreeing.