The Linden Elementary School Choir performs a benefit concert to raise money for Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg, where families lost everything in the recent Sevier County forest fires, on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016. (Photo by Heather Jenkins)
Students at Linden Elementary School in Oak Ridge sang, raised money, and collected gifts for Pi Peta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg.
Pi Beta Phi has almost 100 families that lost everything in the forest fires in Sevier County on November 28, officials said. The fires burned more than 17,000 acres, damaged or destroyed more than 2,400 buildings, killed 14 people, and injured many more.
Although Pi Beta Phi still stands, two students at the school, sixth-grader Chloe Reed, who was 12, and her sister Lily Reed, a nine-year-old fourth-grader, died in the fire. As of December 6, 95 of the school’s roughly 570 students were homeless. Five staff members also lost their homes.
In Oak Ridge, Linden’s third- and fourth-grade choir presented their Christmas Concert, a benefit for Pi Beta Phi, at Linden Elementary School on Wednesday, December 14. It was part of the Linden Kids Helping Kids initiative.
The fourth-grade students also prepared a special song to present at the end of the concert, said Heather Jenkins, Linden Elementary School assistant principal.
She said Linden has had cans to collect donations for Pi Beta Phi. During Wednesday’s concert, students said they had raised almost $300.
Student also said they’ve been making cards and collecting new toys to deliver before Christmas.
It might not be enough to meet all the needs, students said, but they’re proud that they’ve done something to help.
See videos from Wednesday’s benefit concert below, courtesy of Jenkins and Oak Ridge Schools.
“This is Our Fight Song” dedicated to the students and families of @PBPMountaineers @LindenLion @HixsonErica #mountaintough pic.twitter.com/5RufJL1WPn
— Heather Jenkins (@jenkins6404) December 14, 2016
Talented @LindenLion 4th grade singers rock the house in support of Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg. #GatlinburgStrong pic.twitter.com/ibF5howfUn
— Oak Ridge Schools (@ORSchools) December 14, 2016
We are proud of our 3rd and 4th grade students whose hearts are going out to #Gatlinburg today! pic.twitter.com/ZsdXWOxy5e
— Oak Ridge Schools (@ORSchools) December 14, 2016
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