With the help of the Greeneville Arts Council, West Greene High School art students are working to help Haiti earthquake victims.

What may appear to be a very small gesture is making a huge statement about humanitarianism, community involvement, and working together as a team to benefit others, according to WGHS art teacher Sherry Hensley-Rhodes.

A friend of Rhodes' is in Haiti as a missionary and pilot.

Her Art 1 students held a class discussion about the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation, with the discussion covering what could be done for the people there who have lost everything and are struggling to survive.

On the same day as the class discussion, Rhodes received an e-mail from a colleague in Florida about a way to help.

The message stated that the colleague's art classes in Florida were creating little "Haiti Houses," selling them as pins or magnets, and sending the money to Haiti through the Red Cross.

After viewing a video in the e-mail from Florida, the students voted to make Haiti Houses and send the money directly to Rhodes' friend in Haiti.

"We feel confident that the donations will get to those in most desperate need," Rhodes said.

Rhodes spoke to the Greeneville Arts Council about the project, and its members voted to help sponsor the Haiti Houses.

Century 21 Home Team of Jonesborough also became a sponsor, and Popcorn Video of Greeneville agreed to help sell the little houses.

Haiti Houses can be purchased at Popcorn Video, Century 21 Home Team of Jonesborough, and West Greene High School during school hours.

The cost is $2 each, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to the people of Haiti to help those in need.

Rhodes expressed thanks to the Greeneville Arts Council for its sponsorship of the project.

For more information on how others can make and sell the houses, visit www.haitihouses.org.