Cindy Christian, of North Strabane, said she usually does not show traces of her Southern accent until she goes back to visit her hometown of Moss Point, Miss.

Recent visits there saddened her when she saw how Escatawpa Elementary School, which she once attended, had its library destroyed by floodwater.

"It was depressing to see the contents of people's homes left out for trash pickup," Mrs. Christian said.

Mrs. Christian, president of the Parent Faculty Organization at Borland Manor Elementary School in North Strabane, suggested a book and gift drive by pupils to help the children at the Mississippi school.

The elementary school in the Canon-McMillan School District emphasizes a different character trait as a theme each month, and, for December, it is generosity.

It was refreshing to see youngsters age 6 and 7 put others' needs before their own, first-grade teacher Debbie Murdock said. "It's an age-appropriate project and something they'll really remember," she said.

The children wrote letters to Santa, asking for gifts for the Escatawpa kids.

Dylan O'Neill asked for water bottles so the children would have quality water to drink. Katherine Crider wanted Santa to bring them blankets and pillows. Turner Gill asked that he and Rudolph bring new miniature cars and toys because the hurricane took their other toys.

The children have signed "generosity pledges" and have been receiving classroom awards for acts of kindness at home, such as helping a parent clean a gutter or giving a blanket to a sibling.

Two other district schools, Wylandville Elementary in Eighty Four and North Strabane Intermediate School, have been assisting with the drive.

Mrs. Christian and Mrs. Murdock plan a 14-hour drive Dec. 17 to transport the books and gifts to Moss Point.

They'll take photos and come back and tell the pupils about the reception their gifts got.

"The students have been very enthusiastic. The project is very realistic," Borland Manor Principal Arleen Takach said.