Dean Morgan Junior High's Parent-Teacher Association and Angel Club already help Connie Avey, the school nurse, with purchasing items she needs for students. But on Thursday, Avey and every school nurse in Natrona County received a little extra help.

The Natrona County Parent-Teacher Association Council presented the nurses with $6,800 in gift cards to Wal-Mart. Nurses in middle and high schools each received $400, and everyone else received $200.

"This is just going to add frosting to our cake," Avey said, adding that she wants to use the gift card for hair-cuts and buying gym clothes for students. "What a wonderful surprise. We've got lots of kids who need things."

Council members Denise Blesi and Ann Hudson said providing the gift cards was an easy fix to answering the needs of children.

"The PTA recognized the needs of children at these schools," Hudson said. "This was just a way we could fix that."

"The PTA's philosophy is we're for all children," Blesi added.

Wendy Wilson is the nurse at Cottonwood Elementary. Cottonwood is a Title I school, which translates to having a high number of students who are from low-income families.

Wilson planned to spend her gift card on winter coats, boots and warm clothing for her students.

"We have a lot of kids who come that don't have proper clothing for winter," Wilson said. "Many of our families can't afford to clothe their kids properly."

Wilson said a big thank you is owed to the council for their generosity. This is the first time they've provided nurses with extra funds, Wilson added.

"It was so wonderful of them," she said.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.