BUENA PARK : Jumpers Heartily Support Fund Drive

About 600 students at St. Pius V Catholic School jumped rope Thursday morning to raise money for the American Heart Assn.

Up to eight children jumped at a time, with the jump-rope often getting the best of them. Some, however, successfully jumped “double Dutch,” using two ropes.

“It’s a fun activity and it gives them an awareness of the heart association and what they do for people,” said sixth-grade teacher John Jason, who organized the jump-rope-a-thon.

Jason said the school raised about $3,000 for the association with various activities last year.

Other Orange County schools, organizations and civic leaders are also raising money for the association this month, which is American Heart Month.

Liz Lin, spokeswoman for the American Heart Assn. in Orange County, said fund-raising activities this month include a ball and a “cardiac arrest” event, in which civic and business leaders are “arrested,” then bailed out when they give a donation.

The goal is to raise about $300,000 this month, Lin said.

Lin said the money goes to supporting cardiac research and educational awareness programs.

The St. Pius V’s event gave the children a good dose of exercise and fun. It also provided a chance to help others, students said.

“If there are people out there who need help, we help them because they’re our brothers and sisters,” said eighth-grader Jennifer Armas, 13.

Her classmates agreed that indeed it’s a good feeling to give, especially to those who have heart problems.

“Our purpose is to try to make the world perfect so there’s no hurt,” said Amanda Israel, 13. “So if we do it, it makes us feel good because we’re living out God’s plan.”

Mike Kreuz, 13, said students participate in many fund-raising and charitable activities during the school year, including collecting food, clothing and toys for the homeless. Recently they gave games and blankets to victims of the Northridge earthquake.

“We’re just a whole bunch of kids trying to help each other,” added Margaret Rodriguez, 13.