Students at the Thompson Sixth Grade Center recently raised more than $900 to benefit the victims of Haiti’s Jan. 12 earthquake.

The school’s First Priority organization hosted a hat day Feb. 5 at the school to raise money to benefit those affected by the earthquake. Through the event, students were allowed to wear hats if they purchased a ticket at the beginning of the school day.

“We have some great kids here at Thompson Sixth Grade Center. They are very informed about what’s going on in the world,” said school Principal Brent Tolbert. “The school can only encourage giving like this. It is up to the students to step up and show how committed they are.”

The event raised $932, which the school donated to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief Fund.

“All of Shelby County has shown how generous they are,” said Mary Kinard, executive director of the Red Cross’s Shelby County chapter. “And the students in Shelby County schools have been leading the way.”

The First Priority Christian student organization sponsored the event, and worked to keep students abreast of relief efforts in Haiti.

“As Christians, we are commanded to help those in the world who are suffering,” said First Priority Birmingham Executive Director Matt Wilson. “These students are living the idea of ‘love thy neighbor.’”