Even though she is only 11 years old, Jamiesue already realizes that some people do not have even their basic needs.

And despite her age, she is doing something about it.

"It's nice that other people can have stuff, not just people who can afford it," she said.

Barker is one of many children at Ironton Middle School, who are presently collecting items for Mended Reeds in Ironton, a faith-based, non-profit shelter home which houses several children.

Fifth grade reading and language arts teacher Heather Kerns said she had the idea for her school to get involved with this project after Mended Reeds director David Lambert spoke at her church, telling the congregation what the home could use.

Later, students at the school were encouraged to bring in personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, hair brushes and deodorant and cold-weather items such as hats and gloves. The school has made this their project for USA Weekend's "Make a Difference" Day.

This project, Kerns said, she believed the children would be more interested in doing because the children at Mended Reeds are close to their age.

"They know what they go through at home," Kerns said. "They use toothbrushes and hair brushes every day. If they can go without a can of pop for a day, they could buy something that would help someone else out for days."

The school is not offering any incentives to the students for donations. Bringing in the items is entirely optional, and their reward is helping someone else, Kerns said.

Not having a pizza party or the chance at a new bicycle has not deterred many children from giving. After just one week, an entire tub has been filled and sacks are overflowing, Kerns said. The students will be collecting until Oct. 20, and a representative from Mended Reeds will pick up the items Oct. 22.

According to Principal Kimberly Imes, the project is a part of what the school tries to emphasize besides academic success - character development.

"They see that the world is not all good and not all bad, either," she said. "Their actions and words are helping frame the world around them. They will shape their school, their town … What they are doing molds everyone else.'

"We're not wanting to disappoint them or depress them, but we do want to raise awareness."

The children who have participated in the project have already developed a sense of pride. Imes said they will show her what they are bringing in as they walk through the doors. What surprises her more are children who do not have the best living situation still wanting to help someone else.

"Some of the little guys are in difficult living situations, but they will still give to someone else," she said. "To me, that's always touching to see that."

Dallas Smith, 10, said he would like to submit information about his school's project to Channel 1, a news program watched in schools across the country. Others hearing about the project, he said, could cause others to follow IMS' lead.

The public is invited to drop off items at the school.