NEW BLOOMFIELD, MO. -- Students in Callaway county came together to help some classmates who lost their home in a recent fire.
What use to be a log cabin is now burnt fire wood.
Smoke still billows out of what use to be the Caldwell's home in Holts Summit.
The family of four was left with nothing after flames destroyed their home on Monday.
On the glass doors of New Bloomfield High School are three words, honor, pride, and respect.
Those three words mean so much to the students and faculty at the high school.
The two Caldwell children go to New Bloomfield High School, so the student council there turned the annual food drive into something much more personal.
"We're all members of one community and the people who just lost their house, they're part of this community, they're part of everything and we just need to all help out even if we don't know them," student Lisa Reinhardt said.
Classmates decided to turn the drive into a fundraiser for the family, even if it meant bending some school rules.
"There's no hats allowed in school, hats are only allowed at ballgames indoors and pajama pants are not allowed to be worn in school," Principal Suzanne Lackman said.
Wednesday, students sported hats and pajama pants during school for a small fee.
Wearing p.j.'s or a hat cost a dollar or two can goods each.
"I saw a lot of people donate cans and money, just walking in and donating whatever they had," Student Council President Sarah Moore said.
As of Wednesday morning the school had raised more than $1,500.
The high school's principal says she is continuously impressed by her students.
"There's a lot of heart here at New Bloomfield High School, an amazing amount and again, i know I've said it before but these are some of the best kids that I've ever worked with and they do, they have big hearts," Lackman said.
The Caldwell family said they wanted to express their great appreciation for the school and entire community during this difficult time.
Donations can be made in the Caldwell's family name at Bank Star One in New Bloomfield.
The Freedom Christian Church also is accepting donations for the family while the high school is closed. You can drop off items on the following dates:
-December 18 and 19 from 12-3 p.m.
-December 20-24 from 4-6 p.m.
-December 26-31 from 4-6 p.m.
-January 2 from 12-3 p.m.
The high school will accept donations of non-perishable items and clothing until Friday afternoon, when their winter break begins.
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