Fresno Unified students come together to aid Hurricane Harvey victims

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno Unified students have now begun collecting items for students in Houston affected by Hurricane Harvey.

This is a student helping student project, and Roosevelt High students were busy packing up everything from lightly used clothes to diapers and non-perishable foods and drinks.

"They're able to see that, yes, in this country we all come together, and we care about each other. And we're helpful to each other," teacher Jamillah Finley said. "Basically we're just saying that we care. We're saying that this is our America."

Fresno Unified high schools received 16 boxes to fill during the Harvey relief drive, and at Roosevelt, they're already in need of more boxes.

"And then school supplies, because we're really trying to help a couple of school districts down there," Principal Michael Allen said.

The scenes of flooded neighborhoods in Houston and other Texas towns struck an emotional chord.

"It almost made me cry because there's babies out there, pets and stuff," student Nancy Sanchez said.

Ahwanee Middle School just received boxes for a drive kids will start on Tuesday. Parents were notified through phone messages.

"I know we're in a community of tremendous need but when our kids see there are others needing more than they need they want to step up and help. That's what we're all about," Principal Jose Guzman said.

All elementary, middle and high schools in Fresno Unified will be collecting food and items for the Houston and Sheldon Independent School Districts.