When a nearby school flooded, Lincoln Middle School staff were quick to offer support.

Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary suffered a broken pipe on Jan. 30, which resulted in three canceled school days and temporary relocation of some kindergarten, first- and second-grade classrooms. Teachers lost supplies and items that they paid for with their own money.

“I was so sad for all the teachers who lost their materials,” said seventh-grade science teacher Stephanie Weinkauf, whose daughter attends MLK.

Added Jackson Roybal, a seventh-grader, “I felt really bad for the teachers.”

Yet, the plight of the elementary school brought the community together. For example, Lincoln teachers donated gift cards and a handmade sign made by art teacher Pam Elam.

“We were happy to help out and donate over $480 in gift cards,” said educational technology specialist Deb Hill, who coordinated the effort.

MLK Principal Jessica Kettler was appreciative of every donation that came in, including new notebooks, crayons and pencils. Businesses, churches and families offered support.

“Schools are often the heart of communities,” she said. “We are so thankful and very proud of our community.”