Jemison Elementary School third graders held a service learning project to benefit tornado victims in Alabama.

The project began on April 28, and the students have since collectively raised $4,000.

Last week, representatives with the American Red Cross visited the school to accept the donation.

The students raised money through bake sales, lemonade stands, mowing grass, picking up garbage, cleaning shelves and more.

The community supported the students’ efforts, and a $1,000 donation from Tammie Hatch, owner of Subway restaurants in Chilton County, helped the students achieve the $4,000 total.

The ultimate goal of the service learning project was for the students to understand what helping others meant. The teachers challenged the students to do something independently to benefit others.

“The end result was for each child to make a difference in a small way,” said third grade teacher Stephanie Sirmons, whose class raised $2,763. “The students achieved the goal and now have the lifelong memory of making a significant difference for people in need.”

Slay Stevens of the American Red Cross and Bobby Martin accepted the donation.

“We are very proud of the effort and hard work of our students,” school Principal Louise Pitts said.