Taylor Johnson is a fifth-grader at Monger Elementary School with plenty to do. Along with a full day of school, she plays basketball, is in the school band and is a Girl Scout.

But after her father, who is a U.S. Department of Defense contractor, told her about a school in Afghanistan near his base, Taylor wanted to do even more.

Taylor's father, Russell Johnson, has been in Afghanistan for half a year, repairing Humvees, but also working with a nearby school.

A few weeks ago, he told Taylor the school was expecting 50 to 60 students, but 500 actually came. The school was already unprepared for even 50 students, so with 500, students must share school supplies. They also have few toys, she said.

Taylor talked with her teacher, Jon LeVan, about organizing a drive for school supplies. He helped her organize her grassroots effort.

"It's very typical of Taylor," he said. "She's truly the kind of student who is always thinking of others. It's just neat how she shares her dad's mission."

As for her efforts, Taylor said: "Well, it's helping kids and I like to help people. Most of the kids (in Afghanistan) have to share."

Taylor also has written a letter to an area restaurant, asking for donations of the flying discs like those the restaurant gives in their kid's meals, for the Afghan school.

"The biggest challenge right now is obviously the economy right now in Elkhart," LeVan said, but Taylor is taking her idea out to the community to get more people involved.

LeVan noted that although Taylor has said she misses her dad a lot, she knows he is in Afghanistan for a reason and can help the children there.

"It is inspirational to all the students in the class to see how Taylor is focused on helping others." LeVan said.

One after-school club, prompted by Taylor's project, has decided to study Afghanistan, along with donating supplies.

Taylor and her mother, Angela Johnson, plan to send the supplies around Thanksgiving, when another group of soldiers likely will depart for Afghanistan.

To donate school supplies:

Contact Jon LeVan at Monger Elementary School at (574) 295-4860. Or, mail checks to Monger Elementary School PTO, 1100 E. Hively Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517.