Lopez School students are doing their part to help fight world hunger.

Students in grades K-12 are raising money to buy rice and lentil beans, which they will package up and donate to Children of the Nations, a non-profit organization that assists destitute children and orphans by providing clothing, food, orphanages and other support in Malawi, the Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone, the U.S., and Uganda.

Lopez has had a connection with Children of the Nations for years. Three Lopez School students (now graduated) traveled to Malawi through the organization, several years ago Lopez School sent over 25 cases of new textbooks to the country, and the Enchanted Quilters of Lopez have been making quilts for Children of the Nations for five years. They just sent a shipment of 40 quilts.

Lopez students have set up donation boxes in several island businesses and at the school. The elementary school had a Halloween bake sale, which also brought in funds. The food will go to either the Dominican Republic, Malawi or Sierra Leone. Four children in those countries can be fed for a day with just one dollar, so they’re hoping to be able to provide plenty of meals for kids in need.

On Dec. 9, elementary, middle and high school kids will package the rice and beans. The community is welcome to help from 8:45 until 1:00. On that same day, the school kitchen will prepare a meal made of rice and lentil beans so the students’ experience can come full circle.

“All the students we’ve spoken to are really excited about being able to do this,” said Lopez School K-12 Counselor Jeanna Carter. “It’s also an opportunity for kids to realize that a good meal can be had for 25 cents. Especially during this economic depression, it’s good for kids to see they can eat nutritiously for a small amount of money. And it feels great for everybody to be helping others.”