Peetz fourth graders raise over $2,200 for Nebraska ranchers impacted by wildfires

PEETZ, Colo. — A group of fourth grade students in Peetz, Colo., turned compassion into action, raising $2,262 to support Nebraska ranchers impacted by the historic Morrill Fire.

The students organized a “Pay It Forward” campaign during the Peetz Oyster Fry on March 19, directing all proceeds to the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports producers who lost cattle, fencing and pastureland in the wildfire, which burned more than 642,000 acres across western Nebraska.

Students took the lead on the project, designing promotional materials, setting up and running a donation booth, and coordinating with the nonprofit to ensure funds would directly benefit affected producers.

“It was sad seeing all the people impacted by the fires, but it felt good to help out the people impacted,” said Paislee Reker.

Landon Fehringer said the effort hit close to home.

“I thought about my dad (Sean) and how hard he works. I thought about the fire and those people were impacted. I thought it would be nice to help them out a little bit,” Fehringer said.

Conrad Roelle said the goal was simple.

“The money is going to the cattlemen so they can give it to the people who lost their cattle and help rebuild,” he said.