Robertsdale Elementary School raised $4,525 benefitting children at the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center Care House in the school's fourth-annual celebration of Hug Day.

With $600 raised in 2022, $1,250 raised in 2023 and $3,750 last year, Robertsdale Elementary has raised $10,125 with this annual event.

Principal Will Duncan said the purpose of Hug Day is to provide students with "the opportunity to cultivate empathy for others" and provide a service to the community "across Baldwin County."

Duncan said this year's Hug Day was a "huge success" as the school raised "close to $1,000 above and beyond" last year's donation.

Hug Day was started in 2021 by Shannon Rubio, one of the school's counselors, who wanted a way to support the Care House. Duncan said the school tries to hold the event "as close to Valentine's Day as possible" or the closest Friday "that works with our academic schedule." The fact that it happened to fall on Valentine's Day made this year's "special."

The increase in funds raised overtime, Duncan said, "confirms that we are succeeding in teaching our students the importance of empathy and care for others. Our team at Robertsdale Elementary is committed to not only prepare our students for academic success but that they strive to be better people each and every day. Care for others is an important part of that journey for students."

While Duncan said the money raised is important for the community efforts, the main focus for Hug Day events to come is "the sustained impact this program has on students and their character."

"We want to continue to reinforce the importance of giving when we can," Duncan said, "and to help them see the powerful impact a few pennies can make if we all work together."