Bexley City School District students continued a 65-year tradition by sponsoring various events in support of Charity Newsies’ 105th drive season.

Bexley high and middle schools, along with Cassingham Elementary, participated in fundraising events for Charity Newsies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to clothing local K-12 school children in need.

“Charity Newsies offers ways for students to develop attitudes of caring, sharing, empathy and responsibility for people within the students’ community,” said Mary Ann Claydon, Cassingham Elementary teacher and leader of the schools fundraising efforts for Charity Newsies.

“We are attempting to accomplish our fundraising goal so that each Cassingham student develops a sense of community responsibility, empathy, and service,” she said. “Also, we are trying to support a worthy cause to have children help children get clothing and supplies for school. We thank everyone for their support of this endeavor for children by children.”

Last year, the schools raised a combined total of more than $13,000 for Charity Newsies through fundraising events such as a powder-puff football game and a less traditional “Stache-for-Cash” event, encouraging male students to grow facial hair in return for contributions.

This year, Charity Newsies is well on its way to clothing more than 15,000 local school children. On Dec. 10, Charity Newsies will be selling special editions of The Columbus Dispatch in the organization’s annual street corner newspaper sale.

Those interested can help donate to Charity Newsies by mailing a check to 4300 Indianola Ave. Columbus 43214; making an online donation via PayPal; or texting NEWSIES and the amount they wish to donate to 85944.

For more information, visit www.charitynewsies.org.