"We thought the holiday season was a good time to help out," said Katie Behrens, second from the right. Fifth-graders talked about their class project with Kate Stillman as they presented her with a $100 check for VOA. With them from the left are Aaron Raymer, Andrew Willis, and Tiffany Gary.

"Good things happen to those who do good things," Karen Carges tells her students.

Fifth-graders in Mary Radack and Carges' class at the Hill Elementary School recently learned a lesson in giving. Upon completion of a class project of producing and selling cookbooks, the students were left with a profit and a decision to make. They wanted to help people in need, but who? After brainstorming several charities, they decided to donate the $100 profit to Volunteers of America.

"It was an amazing thing to do and it helps us out so much, said Kate Stillman, a representative from VOA. "The money helps families who never knew they were going to be in a situation of need."

The money will be used for emergency food, clothing and lodging for three families.