In her Independent Living summer school class at Lindbergh High School, Elaine Kimker teaches students such life skills as cooking, laundry, sewing and how to use a credit card.

She also provides them with resources to identify signs of an abusive relationship, and where to find help if someone needs it, according to a district news release.

While studying this topic, students decided to become part of the solution for area women and children who are living in shelters.

Through individual donations and help from fellow students, teachers and family members, the class collected more than $500 in July for Alternatives to Living in Violent Environments, or ALIVE, a women and children’s shelter in St. Louis.

“The kids were so excited about this project and really worked hard to reach their goal in such a short period of time,” Kimker, a family and consumer science teacher, stated in the release. “This was a great way for them to do something positive to help others who are coping with a difficult situation.”

The Independent Living class is an elective offered only during the summer. This was the class’ first fund-raiser.