thedailytimes.com : Your 24/7 news source

Imagine this: you are an orphan from Africa going to a school called Maximum Impact. This school is a big part of your life because you don't have much money, food, clothes, or a nice home. Unfortunately, your school is in a rental building and the rent is rising higher than the school can afford. There have been many threats of eviction and the school can't afford to feed you lunch every day, often your only meal.

How can your school be saved? Your community must build a school of its own. This is where Maryville Intermediate School steps in to help! After hearing about Building Blocks for Africa, a program that raises money for Maximum Impact School, MIS decided to get involved.

MIS's goal was to raise enough money to build an entire classroom, about $190. Students were asked to donate their ice cream money or extra change. Those who gave money were able to write their names on a board in the cafeteria. Many students decided that it wouldn't be hard to give a little, because a brick costs only 60 cents. It takes 100 bricks to build a wall, and it takes four walls to build a classroom. Some students even signed up for a 5k or 1 mile walk to raise money for the cause.

After a week, MIS was able to raise a total of $240, enough to build over one and a half classrooms! Things are looking up for Building Blocks for Africa, which will hopefully accomplish its goal of owning its own school building. MIS is proud to be changing other children's lives for the better.