NATCHEZ — An idea between classmates at Natchez High School soon became $7,000 for those in need.

Students at Natchez High decided they wanted to help Haiti after an earthquake devastated the country. The idea grabbed the attention of the faculty and was brought to Principal Cleveland Moore Jr., he said.

Moore, in turn, brought the idea of helping Haiti to Superintendent Anthony Morris, and soon every school in the Natchez-Adams School District was signed up to help Haiti, Moore said.

“People from all over the country helped us when we were devastated by Hurricane Gustav,” he said. “We needed the help then, and the Haitian people do now.

“I thought if we could help, we should.”

Everyone in the district was allowed to pay to wear blue jeans on Friday, Jan. 29. Students paid $2 and faculty paid between $5 and $10.

The district raised $7,000, with a $262.78 check from an anonymous donor. The money was donated to the Red Cross to help the people of Haiti.

NHS and Fallin Career and Technology Center led the fundraising with $1,889.39.

Other collections included:

Frazier Primary School —$1,412.

Robert Lewis Middle School — $1,049.

Morgantown Elementary School raised — $844.

McLaurin Elementary School — $816.23.

West Primary School — $385.20.

Braden Administrative Building — $216.

Central Alternative School — $125.40.

“It lets you know, our children and faculty do care about others, as it affects them as well,” Moore said. “Maybe one day, we will have another natural disaster and we will need help.”

Assistant Superintendent Morris Stanton said he was pleased with the district as well as the community for its support.

“We just hope this small contribution will help the people of Haiti,” Stanton said.