In Hoopeston, Illinois, a group of fourth-graders have set up shop. It's true: ethics can't be bought or sold, but in this case character and commerce go hand in hand. As part of their CHARACTER COUNTS! program, students at Honeywell Elementary School are focusing on the Pillar of citizenship and are managing a "Christmas store" on campus that raises money for the school and needy families in the community.

The Commercial-News, a local newspaper, profiled the project in an article headlined "Students Enjoy Doing Good for Others: Class Promotes Citizenship." Here's an excerpt:

...Janet Crouch’s class at Honeywell Elementary School does a number of things to better Honeywell, and the values they learn doing community service spill over into their home lives....

The students say they enjoy doing good deeds for other people. They say the values they develop now will serve them for life.

“If we care now at this age, we’ll do it when we’re older,” Hurt said.

The Christmas store proceeds also serve the community by helping pay for Christmas baskets for the needy in Hoopeston.

Kelly Walder said she feels good when their hard work at the store pays off.

...The children said the best reward is knowing they’re doing something to help others — even when they don’t get anything in return.

Read the complete Commercial-News article and see a photo of these special kids here.