To Puerto Rico, with love

HAYDEN — The second-graders in Holly Beck's class couldn’t sit idly by when they learned about the hurricane devastation affecting kids in Puerto Rico.

"As a Spanish teacher, it's my responsibility to let the kids know what's going on," Beck said Thursday.

The Hayden Meadows teacher this week showed her students a video about the crisis devastating Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria hit a month ago. She said she wasn't expecting the response she got.

"The kids wanted to help immediately," Beck said. "Their hearts are so full and empathetic."

Equipped only with school supplies and determination, the second-graders drew pictures and wrote messages in cards that will be in the mail soon to let Puerto Rican children know they're thinking of them. They also made board games out of paper to help entertain hurricane-displaced youngsters whose schools have been closed since the storm.

"They're compassionate about the kids who don't have food or water," Beck said. "It was one of those really rewarding moments. These kids are amazing. They really get it."

Hayden Meadows Principal Lisa Pica said she's extremely proud of her students, especially the second-graders.

"What we hope to instill in all of our students is we want them to be caring and compassionate people, and that no matter what age you are, you can make a difference," she said. "For them to want to do this is pretty incredible."

Beck said in her research to help Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico, she found that the best way is through the American Red Cross.

Info: www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/hurricane-relief/ hurricane-maria-relief-information# Domestic-Response