JAMESTOWN – Jefferson Middle School Fifth Grade Students recently raised $725 for the Mental Health Association in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Students in Gina Hess’ class sold green slime and squishies after school hours.
In addition, they held a Walk-a-Thon at Strider Field to raise money.
They also created posters promoting Mental Health Awareness and provided wellness tips during the morning announcements.
“We are appreciative of the hard work and dedication it took to put this together,” said Ken Yergens from the Mental Health Association at The Gateway Center. “We are also appreciative of the efforts to educate our young people as to the consequences of addiction and mental health related problems. This clears up some of the myths and cultivates a greater level of understanding.”
“It’s nice that our little classroom community can help a community organization, such as MHA,” said Mrs. Hess. “Students better understand the differences and struggles of others. I am extremely proud to be part of a culture that strives to be compassionate and understanding.”
“It is important to help people with invisible illnesses,” said Jefferson fifth grader Cayden Thorn. “It is important for us to do it because we need to give people a way that they can help themselves get through tough times. This helped me become a better person.”