Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Mari Hunt, Amber Riggins and Logan Wilmouth, all 9, have been making and selling bead dogs as part of Helping Hands, a Dayton Elementary School holiday fundraiser.
When they started making bead dogs, three Dayton Elementary School students never imagined they could use them to help children in need.
As of Friday, Logan Wilmouth, Mari Hunt and Amber Riggins, all 9, have raised more than $40 selling the dogs at a quarter a piece.
"As soon as I made one for my friends, we decided to make them for charity," Amber said.
The money raised from making the dogs will go to support the Helping Hands program that the school participates in, allowing families and community members to sponsor a child for the holidays.
"They took it upon themselves to raise money for Helping Hands. They made a whole bunch of the puppies over the Thanksgiving weekend," said Tanya Edmondson, guidance counselor.
Children at the school decorated mitten-shaped paper with information about children in need, including age and clothing requirements as well as a present wish. The mittens are put up in the school for teachers, parents and community members to select.
The Helping Hands program, now in its third year, will help between 150 and 200 this holiday season.
The dogs are made by cutting plastic beaded necklaces and twisting them to form a dog shape. The color and length of the tail can be adjusted based on the creator's taste.
"I think it shows leadership skills," said Barbara Peck, the girls' teacher. "We do work on giving in class, but they took it upon themselves to sell the dogs."
To date, the girls have raised $44, and are hoping to hit $50 before the presents are due Dec. 11.
Peck said the success of the girls' idea has generated several discussions in her class.
"It led to other kids trying to copy them, and so we talked about how they should be flattered because their idea was such a success," Peck said.
Those wanting to sponsor a child can come to the school at 285 Old Dayton Valley Road between 7:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. to get a mitten from the tree. Or they can call Edmondson at 246-6262, and she will choose a mitten for them and read them the request over the phone.
Purchased items must be returned to Dayton Elementary School by Dec. 11.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.