School collecting change for "HOPE Counts"

The students at HOPE Academy Canton have been collecting spare
change for "HOPE Counts."

HOPE Counts is a program that the school put together to help an area
needy family for the holidays.

Teachers at the school say they expect over $500 to be raised for the
program.

"Students are giving money they could spend on themselves to others,"
Hope Academy Family Advocate Hope Fondriest said. "They're excited to
give and be part of helping."

Presents will be delivered to the chosen family by Dec. 20.

Students at the school are also working on a food drive.

All the proceeds will go to the Akron-Canton Food Bank.

Last year, the students collected 1,340 non-perishable food items; the
school's goal is to increase that amount by at least 25 percent.

Students will also be making holiday cards, which will be given to
patients in area hospitals and nursing homes.

The school has students throughout Stark County, including Canton,
Massillon and Louisville.