Students from the Catholic of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Kellock, preparing goodie bags containing stationery and a personalised note for underprivileged children attending the charity event 'Children for Children' in aid for ChildAid. -- PHOTO: Copyright: CATHOLIC OF THE HOLY INFANT JESUS (CHIJ) KELLOK

SHE saved 30 cents of her $1.40 pocket money every day for a week - to buy stationery to fill a goodie bag for a total stranger.

But Ethel Tay, 10, is "very happy to play my part in helping others".

She is among more than 1,000 pupils from the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) Kellock Primary School taking part in Children for Children.

The programme, in its second year and organised by The Business Times, The Arts House and the school, gets children to help raise funds for needy children.

This year, pupils will pack goodie bags with stationery that they donate, which will be given to 1,000 needy children during their visit to the Singapore Zoo on Sept 30.

About 250 of them will also man game and craft booths, and perform at a concert there.

Last year, 1,000 needy children rode on the Singapore Flyer.

So far, the programme has raised $210,000, which will go to The Straits Times Pocket Money Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

Editor of The Business Times Alvin Tay said: "We are touched by our supporters' generosity. Now, our job is to make sure the children have a memorable time."

This year's event marks the newspaper's 33rd anniversary. Children for Children @ the Singapore Zoo is open to children under the Ministry of Education Financial Assistance Scheme, or those whose monthly household income does not exceed $1,800. To apply, call The Arts House on 6332-6900.

lingxin@sph.com.sg