US kids sell goods in Kansas to help raise money for orphans in Central China's Henan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Yet the local Chinese community has been undaunted by the challenge, and more than 100 Chinese-American children have rallied behind the fundraising effort.

Parents and children came up with creative ways to raise money.

Some of the kids, who range from elementary school age to high schoolers, donated their own books and sold them at school. Some organized a bake sale (with parents pitching in), while others made arts and crafts to sell at a specially organized market day.

Nathan Zhao, age 9, says, "It makes me happy because I'm doing something to bring happiness to others, not for my own pleasure. Also, doing it brings out the spirit of giving which is the essence of Thanksgiving and Christmas."

Branden Xiao, age 11, says, "I'm very glad that I can do something for the orphans."

Elsa Li, age 6, made biscuits and sold them at the market day.

She told her mother, "I just want the orphans to be happy."

The author is a freelance writer in the United States.