Poor and homeless people in Acuna, Mexico, will go shoeless no longer thanks to a generous donation from Alexander Middle School pupils.

The City of Pearland will hold free Skywarn Storm Spotter training from 1:30-4 p.m. Wednesday at Pearland Community Center, 3523 Liberty Dr.

Skywarn is a program sponsored by the local National Weather Service Office in conjunction with the Emergency Management Office.

The program relies on a group of trained volunteers who watch the skies during severe weather and relay reports back to the local Emergency Management Official and/or the National Weather Service (NWS), according to Joyce Hawkins of the Pearland Fire Marshal's Office and
Office of Emergency Management.

After reaching its initial goal of $1,500, a group at Pearland Junior High West has increased its target goal by $1,000. The students are making fliers and posters, collecting and counting money and seeking donations from businesses.

Cassandra Salmons, a 12-year-old seventh-grader at Pearland Junior High School East, recently placed in the Top 10 at the Texas Scholarship and Recognition Program.