Henryville students, teachers hope to help victims of Sandy

HENRYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Not many of us truly know what victims of Superstorm Sandy are going through. But folks in one southern Indiana community know exactly how it feels, and they remember the emotional and financial support they got from people around the country.

The Henryville school district is working to pay it forward.

“When we saw the images of Hurricane Sandy, it touched our hearts because we understood and understand how badly they're affected and how badly they’re wanting help and support,” said Rebekah Ridener, a Henryville High School Senior.

Last week, students started working to raise money to send to victims on the east coast. Their principal challenged them to raise a thousand dollars to help.

“When the tornado hit our town, everyone reached out. The nation, and the world. We want to return the favor in any form we can,” added Ridener.

“We’re going to find a school in New York City to benefit from this, to help them like we were helped,” said Henryville Jr.-Sr. High Principal Troy Albert.

As the road to recovery begins in New York and New Jersey, Henryville's school year, in a new school, has already begun.

Signs of hope - and survival - they're hoping others, half a country away, will recognize.

“We understand what they’re going through, and we want to help them. They’re going through a hard time, but they’ll make it through,” said Ridener.

If you’d like help in Henryville’s efforts, you can call the school at 812-294-1455.