HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Students raise money all the time at school -- a bake sale for band or a car wash for the football team.
This time, students at ThunderRidge High School worked to make a real impact in the community. ThunderRidge High School is located in Highlands Ranch.
"Don’t even know what to say," said Jerry Caruso, founder of Caruso Family Charities. "I’ve never been to anything like this. The student body spirit and all for us and all for our families."
In just five days, students put together fundraisers like T-shirt sales, a dance and a family activity night in addition to collecting cash donations. The final total offered to Caruso Family Charities is $26,475.
Jerry Caruso said that money will help families with children who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
"When a child has a terminal illness, one of the parents can’t work and so they have to stay home with their sick child," Caruso said. "So, you have one income and they just don’t make enough to make it work."
Caruso says when he was contacted by the students, he didn't know what to expect. He says he was blown away by the amount they raised in a short period of time.
He said the money will go a long way in helping two families in need.
"They struggle beyond belief and so we help them with rent, we help them with Xcel Energy. We help them with their cars," Caruso said. "We try to get them back on even keel."
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