Sounds of paper scratching and laughter engulfed the cafeteria at Will Davis Elementary School on Thursday morning as first graders made arts and crafts for a special cause.

Before the winter break, first graders at the elementary school learned about the continent of Australia. 

“We spent a lot of time learning about the animals and culture. The kids started talking about the fires right away,” said Rachel Atzmon, first-grade teacher. “Many of the students were upset and wanted to help any way they could so we all got together and came up with this idea.” 

The class’s idea was to sell their Australian-themed artwork with proceeds going to relief organizations. Students, teachers, parents, and members of the community were invited to purchase the art and help the cause. 

The money from each purchase went to the World Wildlife Fund For Australia to help the rehabilitation of injured koalas and the replanting of eucalyptus trees burnt down by the fires. Each craft created by first graders featured different Australian animals to represent injured animals affected by the wildfires.

John Wyatt is a parent at Davis Elementary and says that his daughter was worried as soon as she heard the news.

“She's very aware, and she's been very concerned about it all,” said Wyatt. “This marketplace is great because she wanted to do something to help the people and the wildlife in Australia and she's doing that here today with her classmates.”

The marketplace raised almost $2,000 in a time span of only 45 minutes. 

For more information on how you can contribute to the World Wildlife Fund for Australia, you can visit their website at www.wwf.org.au.