While Whittney Perez hasn’t experienced a tornado, she’s seen the horrible aftermath for tornado victims.

That’s why Whittney and her fellow students at Christiana Middle School collected water, paper towels, cleaning supplies and other needs for the tornado victims in Alabama.

“If something like that happened to us, we would want them to help us,” said Whittney, an eighth grade student.

The school’s Student Council and Beta Club organized the drive after hearing about the need from School Resource Officer Edwin Fitzgerald. Students donated the items Thursday to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office’s Explorer Post 106 whose members will deliver a box truck load of donations Saturday to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Birmingham.

Deputy Andy Pugh, an Explorer co-advisor, picked up the items from the school.

Cpl. Scot Appleton, another Explorer co-advisor, said he appreciated the school resource officers relaying the need to the students at the schools.

“Andy and I have made several trips to various schools to pick up items and we’re very pleased with the response from the kids,” Appleton said.

Faculty who guided the students include Dr. Carol Hawkins, Christina Tibbs, Melinda Fleischer, Valori Bonds and Sara Puffer.

Teacher Ali Clark, a student council and Beta Club co-sponsor, said School Resource Officer Edwin Fitzgerald presented the collection idea to students.

“I’m very proud of our school stepping forward to give supplies and the kids for doing their part,” Clark said.

School students are now collecting money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation founded to help children who suffer from cancer.

Whittney said everyone needs help sometimes, no matter how independent and strong someone feels.

“When somebody needs help, you help them,” Whittney said. “That’s what we learn here in Christiana.”