St. Nicholas students made valentines to raise aid money for victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Inspired by the resourcefulness of schoolmates who sold hot chocolate to raise money for tsunami victims, students at St. Nicholas School in Los Altos are taking a hands-on approach to their relief efforts.

Under the direction of Sara Callahan, one of the school’s community outreach coordinators, children in each grade have been hand-crafting valentine cards in class. The cards are being sold to benefit those affected by the disaster in east Asia.

“We are always looking for ways to help our children realize that they are part of a larger global community,” said Callahan. “This valentine project was something each child could do, from the very youngest students to those in eighth grade.”

Each package of “Helping Hearts” includes five folded note cards with envelopes and sells for $5.

“Our students are incredibly creative,” said Principal Matt Komar. “Their talents definitely show through in this project.”

The children, with parent volunteers, have already raised more than $600 by selling the Helping Heart Valentines at St. Nicholas School’s open house and after Mass on Sundays. Unless the valentines run out, sales will continue through Feb. 14. All sales directly support Catholic Relief Services’ tsunami relief efforts.

For more information about Helping Hearts valentines, call Michelle Sklar at 941-3682.