FRANKLIN FURNACE — Students from Franklin Furnace Christian Academy participated in a 5K to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Leslie Campbell, high school teacher, wanted to put it together as a community project for the students.

“It’s about kids, and it teaches kids to reach out and help other kids,” Campbell said.

Campbell said out of the 12 students in the high school, five participated and raised $244 with the project.

Blood testing for a child entering St. Jude’s costs an average of $80. St. Jude’s doesn’t charge the families for costs beyond what the insurance pays, so thanks to the students, the hospital has the money to cover blood testing for three students.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Campbell said. “(The students) need to look beyond themselves and see others have problems they can help with.”

Campbell said they are planning another 5K for September of this year. The first one was originally scheduled for December, but had to be rescheduled several times because of the weather. She is hoping more people will be involved with the next one and said the goal for September’s 5K is $1,000.

Campbell said she chose St. Jude because of how helpful they are to the patients.

“If my children’s children had to go (to the hospital), that’s the kind of place you would want,” she said.