Students, staff, and Reed Elementary School families came together to help victims of Hurricane Helene by partnering with a Georgia elementary school impacted by the natural disaster. 

With reports of devastation in many southeastern states, the Reed community quickly organized the “Hats On for Hurricane Helene Victims" fundraiser, raising $3,000 in one day. Students were invited to wear their favorite hats to school on Friday, Oct. 10, in support of the hurricane victims while learning about hurricanes and the damage they can do. 

In addition, families were encouraged to make donations to help provide board games for Westmont Elementary in Georgia, whose playground was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene. With the playground inoperable, the school’s staff requested board games to provide social and emotional support for students who remain confined to indoor recess. 

Along with the board games purchased for Westmont, Reed Elementary students created a banner with paw prints and words of support, which was shipped directly to the school and will be on display for students as they return to their classrooms. 

“Our Reed Community never ceases to amaze me,” exclaims Dr. Chris Schreiner, principal at Reed Elementary School. “Raising this amount of money to support those impacted by the hurricane in such a short amount of time is remarkable. It is a true testament to Reed's community of students, parents, and staff and their willingness to help others in need.”    

All remaining proceeds were donated to the American Red Cross. 

The Ladue School District is proud of the Reed Elementary School community coming together and showing incredible generosity for Westmont Elementary and those affected by Hurricane Helene.