WEST DEER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – We hear so many stories of how people raise money to give to the KD Turkey Fund.

KDKA’s Rick Dayton was in the West Deer School District Friday, where the students of East Union Elementary learned a lesson in giving.

Talula the Turkey was given to the class that had the most “Kindness Cards” in the month of October.

But then, the piñata turkey disappeared. However, she told the kids in a letter she would come back if they raised $500 for the KD Turkey Fund.

“If we get to $500 today, you guys are going to feed 66 families. Come on guys. Let’s clap for that. That is the best news,” Rick told the students.

Some kids shared why they chipped in.

“That way everybody’s stomach is full, and they celebrate with their friends and families. We all have something to be thankful for,” one student said.

“I donated my savings account because I wanted everybody to have a turkey on Thanksgiving,” a student named Sammy Jo said.

“I wanted to give to the Turkey Fund because some people can’t afford everyday groceries, so how are they going to afford a holiday meal?” added another student.

The kids found out that they raised a total of $1,300 for the KD Turkey Fund.

PNC Bank doubled the donation, so the $2,600 total will feed 173 families.

“They chose to give that up to make that sacrifice and give it to the KD Turkey Fund. I just thought somebody needed to know the good things that are happening here,” said Pam Brestensky, of East Union Elementary.

“They donated Halloween candy that we bagged for Christmas stockings for the food bank so it doesn’t surprise me that they were generous,” said Janine Colaizzi, from East Union.

“They get it. To put it in the simplest terms, they really understand that they want to be a part something not only for themselves, but for the people around them in the community,” said East Union’s principal, James Schweinberg.

And to think it all started with a turkey named Talula.