From left, Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School students Julia Roy, Vinny Colonello, Ethan Taylor, Joey Amrhein, and Elora Dabravalskas stand by their donations for Jameson's Army. The third grade students, all from Mrs. McGee's class, helped collect donations for the school's CVE Care Project. Vinny was the student who suggested donations go to Jameson's Army, school officials said.

ZELIENOPLE — Students at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School took part this week in an effort to help those with congenital heart disease.

Students in Valerie McGee’s third grade class donated food and hygiene products to Jameson’s Army with the school’s CVE Care Project.

“It is student-driven in that the students come to the principal with ideas throughout the school year,” communications director Linda Andreassi said. “The students and their parents work with building administration to ensure that the projects benefit those in need in the community and plan the activities with the support of CVE faculty.”

Third grade student Vinny Colonello requested the school support Jameson’s Army by donating various food items.

Jameson’s Army is a local charity that assists families affected by congenital heart defects.

Many families, including Vinny’s, are or have faced tough medical procedures with long hospital stays.

McGee said about four boxes full of donated food and supplies were collected last week in three days.

“It’s so nice to know they want to give back,” she said. “They have such big hearts in my classroom.”

“Our school community has been supportive of all student projects this year,” Andreassi said. “Next month a group of fourth grade girls will be raising funds for Autism Speaks during Autism Awareness Month. I am so proud of the caring CVE students.”

McGee said students will also do another project for the school’s open house April 28 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.