Fourth graders at the Tisbury School and their teacher Pam Herman last week presented the American Red Cross with $4,730 to support the Japan Relief Efforts after the earthquake and tsunami disaster. The children organized an event called Jump for Japan, in which they jumped rope and asked friends and family to donate an amount of money for each jump, sometimes a dollar, sometimes more.

American Red Cross zone leader for Martha’s Vineyard, Jim Thomas, health class instructor and volunteer Robert Porter and mental health volunteer Deborah Medders attended the presentation.

Mr. Thomas said: “It’s impressive what these children did. They already feel that they belong to a larger world community. It’s inspiring and very promising.”

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

To donate, call 508-775-1540 or visit online cciredcross.org.