Students at Ryerson Elementary School are doing their part to help the relief efforts in the Phillippines by collecting loose change to donate to the American Red Cross.

"One of the traditions we have at Ryerson is to come together as a school community prior to the winter break," Principal Kelly Spooner wrote to parents in an email. "This year our celebratory gathering will be on winter traditions around the world. As a community, we believe this connects directly to our theme of learning about others throughout the world."

Students will be collecting monetary donations to be sent in for the relief fund to the Phillippines through Friday, Dec. 20.