OCALA-

While so many people up north are still struggling to return their lives to normal.

Some folks here are finding ways too help.
Students from a private school in Ocala are learning a real- life lesson in lending a helping hand.

It wasn't a regular schoolday for students at Cornerstone.
They took time out of their elective courses and some even their lunch to help people many of them don't know.

"We are taking donations and we are sending coats and jackets, socks, hats and scarfs," said Evan Companion.

The list keeps going.
They filled up boxes with canned foods, clothing, baby supplies.
Lucy Lesbirel who works at Cornerstone said teachers didn't come up with the idea.

"My kids wanted to help and they didn't know what to do so we started talking," Lesbriel.

Lesbirel and her daughter Olivia have family up north.

"They are running off of a generator right now and I have only talked to one of my grandparents, but that's all," said Olivia.

That's why Olivia went through her closet and found every sweater that didn't fit and a bunch of other students and residents did the same.

Joan and John Burke said they didn't think twice about donating because they're from New england and they know what people are going through.

"It's horrid. There is no heat, no lights, it's cold, people have little babies and unless you've been through it you don't understand it," said Joan Burke.

The goal is to fill up a 48 foot trailer given by Salle Horse Vans.
The Supervisor Pete Copeland said they usually take an empty truck up north and then bring down some horses, so it's not a big deal to him.

"At least people are thinking about other people a thousand miles away," said Copeland.
 

This weekend a filled up truck with be headed up north.

"The truck is ultimately going to Redbank,New Jersey which is a little bit inland. However they have access to all of the people who are out at the shore communities. So once it gets there it will be distributed to the people who need it the most," said Lesbriel.

Students said they feel great to be helping people they don't even know, but they wish they could do more.

"You were actually having a part in to help them. it wasn't just you sat there and watched," said Eilish Jenkinson.
 

You can still donate on Friday from 9 a.m.  to 2 p.m. at the Cornerstone School.

2313 SE Lake Weir Avenue, Ocala, Fl.
They have more than enough clothes, but what they really need are canned food, diapers, cleaning supplies, socks, hats and baby supplies.