Tracey Hoel has always loved pandas.

"They are my favorite animal," said the 12-year-old seventh-grader at St. Mary Help of Christians School.

When she learned about the 7.9 earthquake that hit China on May 12 and damaged the Wolong Nature Reserve, where some of the endangered pandas live, she wanted to do something.

She asked her mother, Gayl, about sending some money, but her mother urged her to think of a way to make money to send.

Tracey was inspired by her older sister, Bonnie, 16, who enjoys making jewelry.

Tracey took some black and white beads and began her line of "panda band" bracelets. When she sold 32 bands a yard sale in early July, Tracey realized she was on to something.

Her mother started a Web site -- www.pandabands.com -- and Tracey has sold more than 300 of the $2 bracelets since then. The Hoels have shipped bracelets to the United Kingdom and to Canada.

Tracey is sending the money raised to an organization called Pandas International in Littleton, Colo. (www.pandasinternational.com).

Mrs. Hoel researched wildlife relief organizations on the Internet. She found that Pandas International focuses solely on the species. The organization supports panda reserves, including the Wolong Nature Reserve.

From her initial design of black and white beads, Tracey has added a few colors in response to requests from those purchasing the bands. She plans to continue selling them as long as there is an interest, she said.

Her goal is to raise $5,000 for an incubator for panda newborns.