BURBANK — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today joined students at Thomas Edison Elementary School to launch the “California Kids Care, project to collect pennies and more for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"All of us who are so many miles away from the devastation that has ravaged New Orleans and the surrounding region share a profound sense of sorrow for Hurricane Katrina's victims," O'Connell said. "With this project, we hope to turn our children's sense of helplessness into helpfulness. It's an important lesson for our students at times like this to show that as citizens we must not only extend our hearts and prayers to the victims but step forward and do whatever we can to ease their suffering."

O'Connell urged students to contribute whatever they can to the voluntary project, and asked that school staff make donations in the form of checks to the American Red Cross for the amount collected by students. While various aid projects are underway at schools and in communities throughout the nation, he said, the most pressing need is for cash donations to help victims secure housing, food and other necessities.

"If, through this project, we could raise just one dollar for every California student, that's $6.2 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina," O'Connell said. "And I believe that with funds donated in the classroom, along with the generosity of parents, neighbors, businesses and friends, Californians can do that much."

Schools that participate will be recognized by the state Department of Education for their efforts with a certificate of appreciation, O'Connell said. "But most important, children who participate will know they have done something tangible to ease the suffering of others."