Many “high fives” were exchanged at Washington Middle School during September.

In fact, thanks to all the “high fives,” the American Red Cross now has an additional $7,572.06 to assist Hurricane Katrina victims.

After learning about the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Washington Middle School pupils and staff desperately wanted to lend a hand. They put their heads together and created the “Give ’em Five to Help ’em Survive” fund-raiser.

For each $5 donation, a pupil or staff member was given a paper hand and asked to write his or her name on it. The hand prints then were hung up all around the school. Each pupil who donated also had his or her name announced over the school intercom.

Every penny of the $7,572.06 collected will be donated to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Organizing and running the fund-raiser were teachers Gina Figler, Pat Jones, Sue Zub and Sarah Torretta, along with Wash-ington Middle School National Junior Honor Society members.