Students at Neveln Elementary School helped raised more than $200 to help children across the world receive polio shots.

Fifth graders Michelle Johannsen, Emily Beckel, Allie Neumann and Scarlett Dewild organized the fundraiser after reading an article in Time For Kids magazine on how they could help immunize children against polio through the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The students brought the idea to their teacher and the rest of their class.

"We did it in our combination class of fourth and fifth graders," said Kari Bain, the fourth and fifth grade teacher who helped the students start the project.

Bain mentioned that the students did not go door-to-door trick or treating for the money. Rather, they asked for extra chores at home to earn money or an extra allowance.

In the two weeks of the fundraiser, students collected about $63.

"We asked around, we looked under the couch cushions, everywhere," Allie Neuman said.

UNICEF is an organization first established to help children in the mid 1940s after WWII in Europe. In later years, it became a permanent part of the United Nations system, according to UNICEF literature.

The main task of the organization is to help children living in poverty in Third World countries by protecting their rights and providing services and supplies.

"We were glad to do UNICEF because we get to help save a lot of children's lives," Dewild said.

After the fourth and fifth grade classes collected the money, the four students decided to take the project a step ahead and ask the student council to help with the fundraiser.

The four students put together a presentation indicating what UNICEF was, where the money would go and how the money collected would be used.

"I am impressed with this kids. They had all the info and they basically did it all. I just sat and watched them get the money," said Mark Anderson, a second and third grade teacher and the student council advisor.

The student council decided to use the money they raised from sales at the school's store, called the "Nook," which was added to the previous total.

Anderson said the students usually do a food drive for The Salvation Army, but his year they decided to focus on the UNICEF fundraiser and collect cans for food drive next month.

"The kids usually come up with good ideas. It's fantastic and I am proud to see the Neveln students care for children around the world," Anderson said.

The Nook, which was open for two days, sold school supplies and raised about $140. Another $20 was raised during Gum and Hat day.

"It was fun and great

knowing how we can make other kids happy," Neumann said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com