Wantagh Middle School seventh graders are doing their part to help others across the world by raising more than $2,000 for clean water. 

The fundraiser was spearheaded by librarian Amelie Weber along with English language arts teachers Christina Bewick and Anna Schiebelhuth. This spring, students are reading “Long Walk to Water,” a book by Linda Sue Park that highlights current issues people are facing in Sudan, particularly a lack of access to clean water. 

Ms. Bewick’s and Ms. Schiebelhuth’s students participated in the Iron Giraffe Challenge, an international initiative to raise money to help provide clean water for the people of South Sudan. The fundraiser included a letter-writing campaign in February, during which students sent letters to family members, friends and neighbors asking for $5 donations, by check or digitally. Students also entered for a chance to win a spot on “Shadow a Teacher Day.” This year, 28 teachers volunteered to participate, and students could buy raffle tickets for a chance to be a teacher’s helper for the day. 

Collectively, the two fundraisers generated $2,104 for the Water for South Sudan charity, which coordinates the Iron Giraffe Challenge. The organization funds the drilling and access to clean water in South Sudan, as well as education on how to use clean water for hygiene, sanitation and more. Schools that raise at least $1,000 are entered for a chance to win a visit from the “Long Walk to Water” author or main character, who is a real person.