Staff Writer

Katie Grant realized she needed to do something to help after watching the news.           

Courtney Dexter was at home thinking about the crisis in Japan when she decided something needed to be done.

The two Saco Middle School sixth-grade students separately approached Principal Rick Talbot for permission to raise money at school for Red Cross earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. He suggested they combine forces, a partnership that raised $462.45 in two weeks.

Dexter and Grant presented a check to Tammy Atwood, Red Cross regional financial development director, during an April 13 assembly with the entire sixth grade.

“I just couldn’t get (the situation in Japan) out of my head. Finally I decided to do something,” said Dexter, 12.

Dexter and Grant spent hours after school decorating donation boxes to put in classrooms and making posters to promote their fundraising effort. They also held a hat day where students paid $3 each to wear a hat in school for the day. The hat day raised about $200.

The girls hoped to raise $100 total and were surprised when they more than quadrupled their goal.

“Seeing how much money we did raise was amazing,” Dexter said.

Grant, 12, said it is nice to know the money will be used to buy clean food and water.

 “It makes me feel grateful we live in the United States where we’re safe and we don’t have as many problems,” she said.

Atwood said all donations for Japanese relief efforts go directly to provide food, shelter and clothing. She said Grant and Dexter should be proud of themselves for stepping in to help with an “overwhelming” disaster.

 “It’s really inspiring. It’s just awesome to have kids, even at a young age, thinking about how they can contribute,” she said. “Every cent counts.”

Jo Grant and Cathy Dexter said they also are proud of their daughters.

 “I was so impressed when Katie came home and told me what she wanted to do,” Jo Grant said. “It doesn’t really surprise me because she’s always the first to help.”

Cathy Dexter said she admires her daughter for taking the initiative to help.

“I’m proud that she’s in tune with what’s happening in the world and felt compelled to help,” she said.

Talbot said it is “absolutely incredible” Grant and Dexter generated so much support for Japan within the school in a short period of time.

“They worked very hard to do something very nice for Japan,” he said. “They demonstrated empathy for their fellow human beings.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.