From elementary pupils cracking open their piggy banks to companies and foundations writing seven-figure checks, a flood of donations has reached schools and students affected by Katrina since the storm devastated parts of the Gulf Coast. Further help has gone to those affected by Hurricane Rita, which hit southwestern Louisiana and the coast of Texas. The total amount of giving is hard to figure, since there is no central repository tracking the aid. But millions of dollars in cash, goods, and services continue to make their way to schools on the Gulf Coast, as well as to schools elsewhere that have taken in displaced students. While far less than the federal government is eventually expected to provide schools, the private aid has a distinct advantage: It can reach recipients much more quickly. Philanthropic organizations and retailers have also gotten involved. Another avenue of help has been partnerships between schools, an effort the U.S. Department of Education has helped promote with a special Web site it created. On the site, schools affected by the Hurricane can post their needs, and others, whether schools, individuals, or organizations, can connect with them.