An American teacher at an international school in Niigata is helping New Yorkers heal from the shock of last month's terrorist attacks by sending letters, artwork and paper cranes from local residents to schools throughout Manhattan.

Michael Weininger (front left), teacher at Niigata Illinois American High School, and his students display drawings and letters they plan to send to schools in New York to encourage those affected by last month's terrorist attacks.

Michael Weininger, an art and English teacher at Niigata Illinois American High School in Nakajo, Niigata Prefecture, said he came up with the idea because he is from New York and felt an urge to do something after hearing stories of citizens, firefighters and rescue workers losing their lives as a result of the attacks.