It started with nickels, but once this kindergarten class got going it turned into a lesson in caring, and thousands of dollars to help a friend in need.

"Ya know it is about the money," says Katie Lyons, Nico's Mom. "But it's also about Nico seeing his friends helping him, and doing something."

Six year old Nico Mastrangelo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February.

"I was really scared because that was my first time I was in a hospital," says Nico.

His teacher at the Maple Street School in Easthampton told her students about Nico's disease, and his classmates were eager to help.

"Kids started suggesting that they could empty their piggy banks and start giving their money to Nico to help his family," says Chris Ciccarello, Nico's Teacher.

"It just makes me feel happy that they're doing something to help me get through it," says Nico.

On their last day of school the class walked nearly a mile to turn in the rest of their change to the bank, and with that deposit the total raised reached nearly 7,000 dollars, a total Nico's classmates can be proud of.

"Seeing how much pennies and nickels and dimes for Nico," says Meaghan Snapp, Nico's Classmate.

"In our wildest dreams we never imagined it would be this much money," says Ciccarello.

Nico's mom says the Nickels for Nico campaign has taught her son a lesson in compassion. A lesson that will help get him through the rest of his treatment. And these nickels will not be the last donated to Nico's fund, you can make a donation at any Florence Savings Bank.