A number of students gathered in the early morning hours recently at the Colonial John Siegfried Elementary School, Northampton, to check out a selection of penguins, dogs and cats.

Gary Pierzga, teacher and student council advisor, said the children did not have to visit a zoo or pet store to see the animals.

These plush critters were part of a wildly successful fundraiser initiated by the student council.

The sale of the stuffies was geared to students with the idea they could purchase them for younger children in their families.

Pierzga said the main purpose of the sale was to raise funds for Angel 34 and needy families in the borough, especially during the Christmas holiday.

"We raised $3,863," Pierzga said.

The sale began in late November and ended in December. A brief ceremony was held by student council before the Christmas break when Doug Sheriff of Angel 34 visited. Student council co-presidents Madison Biechy and Emily Williams handed over the money they raised to Sheriff.

Sheriff's daughter Nicole, a former middle school student, passed away from cancer a few years ago. Nicole created a fundraiser project the help other children stricken with cancer. Her organization continues to leave a lasting impression on the borough's school system and students.

"It was wonderful. The kids outdid themselves," Pierzga said.

A pre-holiday project has been a staple at Siegfried Elementary for at least the last decade, according to Pierzga.