BENTON $ Second-graders from Benton Elementary School were so gratified at helping a local family last year at Christmas, they're doing it again.

Teacher Aliza Welch said that her 15 students have raised $500, largely through the sale of raffle tickets, since Nov. 17 and hope to have $1,000 in hand by Dec. 17. The money will go to help a family that has suffered a recent tragedy, she said.

"The students last year told me of the great lessons they learned, that Christmas is not just about them," Welch said Wednesday. "They actually wrote a book last year about adopting that family."

To continue with the fundraising, educational technician Jerry Leeman will set a table up outside the Maine Made Shop in The Center on Monday night. From 4 to 7, Leeman will sell $1 raffle tickets donated by local businesses, and take donations.