Tamworth Public School students will hold a rain dance and fundraiser for drought stricken farmers, the Big Dry

With a whole-school rain dance planned for Friday, students have been collecting non-perishable food, toiletries and household items to give to farmers in need.

School captain Simon Matthews said his class has been practicing their dance moves.

“We wanted to help out because the farmers are in drought and they’re having a really tough time,” he said.

So far, the school has collected nearly 3000 items to donate to a local drought appeal.

Deputy principal Kevin Squires said they want to make sure the goods go to farmers in the region.

“You see the images on television and even though we’re in the middle of the city there wouldn’t be too many kids that aren’t associated with the land in some way,” he said.

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“There’s a lot of tinned foods, toiletries like soap, dishwashing liquid, things that aren’t perishable, but there’s an amazing amount – there’d be thousands of items so far.”

The school’s two week campaign wraps up on Friday, and Mr Squires said it’s been a great opportunity for the kids to learn about the seriousness of drought.

Posters near the rain gauge and barren vegetable garden explain the affect drought has on the land.

“The rain gauge hasn’t been used for a while,” he said.

“But the kids are really excited for Friday and they’re really getting into bringing the food in.”

The rain dance is on Friday at 9:20am.