Students make cards of encouragement after bus crash

MOUNT AIRY (WPVI) -- Reading aloud their words of encouragement, the students at the Charles W. Henry School made get well cards for their 8th grade classmates and teachers.

They also made thank you cards for officers who helped them following Monday's bus crash.

"We made this for Ms. Jacobs, and it says we love our teachers," student Frey Stanford said.

Travelling behind the school's charter bus, were a number of Philadelphia police recruits, officers and family members of fallen law enforcement, including Clara Mae Daniels.

Daniels, wife of a fallen officer, and mother to film producer Lee Daniels, tended to injured 8th grader, Elijah Allen.

"Elijah was a little fella, he had a big gash on his head. They had blankets and jackets, and we just pressed it up against his forehead," Daniels said.

Elijah was frazzled and unable to use his hands. Daniels contacted his mother.

"I called to inform her what had happened, and she said she was on her way down. I thank God, I thank God for the blessing that I was there to help, if it was just in a minute way," Daniels said.

At last check, Elijah, three other classmates and teacher Brittany Jacobs remained hospitalized.

"Everyone has pulled together to make certain that we are supporting our students and family members," Principal Fatima Rogers said.

And, they're hoping these handmade cards are the first step to healing.

"We just want them to feel safe and feel happy to come back to school," student Kato Mangum said.

The cards are expected to be delivered in the upcoming days.

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