St. Peter children support new Lutheran school in South Africa

Children at St. Peter Lutheran School in Arlington Heights presented money and donated items Wednesday morning to their sister church and soon to be school in Middleberg, South Africa.

The children gave their $7,592.82 in person to St. Peter Middleberg pastor, Mandla Khumalo, who is visiting St. Peter, at 111 W. Olive, in Arlington Heights.

The children held a "Sock it to Africa" fundraiser. In addition to the funds slated for educational resources for the school, expected to open in January 2011, students donated 50 new pairs of shoes for South African students from Rachel's Walk of Love organization.

The school will have 300 students in grades K-5.

St. Peter students have also donated school supplies, created specially-crafted handprint banners and made personal notes for their sister students in South Africa.