The rebuilding of 5-year-old Alexandra Stewart’s future has begun, thanks to students who live in Iowa State’s residence halls.

Michelle M. Newton, 25, and Roosevelt Stewart, Jr., 26, died of smoke inhalation from an Ames apartment complex fire Sept. 12 while their daughter Alexandra was staying overnight with relatives.

Kelly Posey, senior in child and family services, decided to do something for the orphaned child.

Posey, who knows Stewart’s aunt, organized the Stewart Project Fund at First National Bank, 2330 Lincoln Way.

Since the fund’s conception, students have donated about $400, Posey said.

“This is just an idea that students in residence halls are really supporting,” she said. “Everyone is really doing a great job.”

Jessica Kyecker, co-executive of the fund, said the account is set up for Stewart’s college education, but it will be used now for immediate needs such as clothes and food.

Posey and Kyecker, who are both resident assistants in Wilson Hall, went to an Inter-Residence Hall Association parliament meeting and asked all vice presidents from the Union Drive Association, Towers Residence Association and Richardson Court Association houses to ask for donations from their floor members.

Kyecker, senior in child and family services, said she has been surprised by the response since the fund-raiser’s start on Sept. 17.

“Some floors have donated all their pop cans,” she said. “We are getting a really positive response.”

Kyecker said only one floor has chosen not to participate because residents thought there should be a reward for the floor that raises the most money.

“That’s not what it’s all about,” she said.

Kyecker said she hopes students will learn something from the fund-raiser.

“I hope they feel good about themselves and know that they really stepped up and helped out,” she said.

Posey said donations are not limited to students who live in residence halls.

“Anyone from the public can help out the students,” she said. “Any contributions would be greatly appreciated.”

Donations can be made at First National Bank. Posey said the fund-raiser probably will end in early October, but donations still can be made after that time.