On the first day of the school year, the seven-year-old pupils managed to pool $500 from their own pocket money to contribute to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

It is through the efforts and kind acts of ordinary Singaporeans - of all ages - that the fund managed to raise $3.68 million last year.

This is the biggest sum collected since 2000, when The Straits Times (ST) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) set up the fund to help school-going children who do not have enough money for a meal at recess.

The amount raised not only surpassed the initial target of $3.6 million, but is also $480,000 more than the previous record of $3.2 million collected in 2006.

ST editor Han Fook Kwang said: 'We are most grateful to our readers for their fantastic support. This shows that they resonate with our cause and understand the income divide in Singapore.'

According to Mr Peter Khoo, chairman of the fund, the amount raised had to go up because it was trying to give more money to each child it supports.

Since last July, eligible primary school pupils have been getting $35 each a month - up from $30, while secondary school students have been receiving $60 a month, up from $50. Each child also now gets support for two years instead of one.

Social workers say the small bit of money each student gets a day can do wonders because the child gets a little to eat and can concentrate better in classes. It can also improve the student's self-confidence.

Many donors had increased their contributions to the fund.

Health supplements and food products group Cerebos Pacific, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp, the Singapore Exchange and electronics giant Seagate Technology all increased their donations.

Individuals such as Dr Janice Khoo raised $10,000 by running in the Singapore Marathon for the first time.

A student-led group, Inspire '07, sold teddy bears and held concerts, among other activities, to raise $80,000.

Over at Beacon Primary, it seems that the fund has found a bunch of new, fairly young supporters who are keen to do more.

Principal Lim Boon Cheng said: 'The sum might be small, but it is the meaning behind it that counts.

'Judging from the response and feedback, it is very likely that we will make donations to the fund a yearly affair.'

linxinyi@sph.com.sg