SAN DIEGO -- Some Dingeman Elementary students in Scripps Ranch are coming to the rescue of a beloved teacher, Ms. Christine Millar. And they are doing it with cookies and lemonade.

Maggie Little and Savannah Mann came up with the idea after Millar's home burned down last week in Mira Mesa. Millar's 88-year-old grandfather, Claude Jenkins, died in the fire.

A World War II and Korean War veteran, Jenkins was known in the neighborhood for his wit and his cowboy hat. And Millar's students knew how much she loved him.

"Just to see that somebody who lost their home and someone they love makes me feel like I have more than them. It makes me feel like I should give more back," Mann said.

The girls decided to do things the old-fashioned way by staying up all night making signs, lemonade and cookies. And with more than a dozen friends, they opened up for business on the corner of Spring Canyon and Scripps Creek Drive Monday.

Turns out, their idea was right on the money.

One after another, people opened their hearts and their wallets -- some writing checks for $200.

"I'm amazed because this will help her so much," a Scripps Ranch resident said.

"They're giving up their day off to give back to their teacher. What a great community," another Scripps Ranch resident said.

Students said they were surprised that their effort touched so many people, but no one is more surprised than Millar, who is still very much grieving.

"I just want everyone to know in San Diego what a wonderful man he was and how much he taught others about life and how to be good people and how it all comes back to you and the goodness that you give," Millar said.

In all, the students collected $2,200 Monday and they plan to be out again Tuesday after school.

Millar said she is extremely grateful and can't wait to see her kids again when she returns to work next week.