LYNN – Pickering Middle School students, through a variety of charitable fundraisers held throughout the year, helped raise $550 for the Item Santa Fund, which it donated Thursday.Throughout the school year, students have been participating in fundraising activities, such as school spirit days and its annual pond walk, to help raise money for local charities. Students also held a can drive for the Salvation Army, and will be aiding Toys for Tots this holiday season.First-year Principal Robert Murphy has proposed creative ways for students to raise the bar and help the community since taking over this year, and says students are beginning to understand the importance of giving back to the community.”It has worked to show them some civil responsibility, and show that it is important to help others in the community,” he said. “At a young age, they are beginning to understand what it means to give back to the place that they came from.”