Madera Unified partners with Fresno Chaffee Zoo for fundraiser to support the elephant calves [Video]

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) — Reading and writing is standard in Katie Sears class at Lincoln Elementary School in Madera.

But over the last few weeks, counting and collecting spare change has also become a topic of conversation.

“I told them, go home, look in your couch cushions, tell your parents, look under the seats in your car,” second-grade teacher Katie Sears said.

That’s because the Madera Unified School District and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo are partnering together for a community-driven fundraiser called “Change for Change.”

The money raised supports some of the newest members of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo: the elephant calves.

As students are collecting money to donate they’re also learning more about the animals they’re supporting.

The class was already learning about different habitats, so they also learned about an African elephant’s habitat.

“Elephant habitat is like a grassland,” Elijah Castillo said.

Second grader Olivia Lopez says she knows her money is going to good use.

“So they can have like …