thought about how we have everything in America," said Wessel. "Over in Haiti, they don't have anything."
Justin rallied his friends at school. They, too, were touched.
"It really does like break my heart to see people that lost their families and stuff," said 9th grader Gabby McGuire.
Justin wanted to raise money. The Haiti Hope Chain popped into his head. He took his idea to the school's Key Club. Key Club member Donna Rose said she didn't hesitate.
"It's terrible. Those people lost everything. And nobody is there to help them. So we figured we could do something to help them."
Word spread to kids at Q.I. Roberts Middle School.
"It makes me feel like I have part of something to do for them," said 6th grader Lauren Carter.
Since Friday, the students have cut out countless pieces of paper to make the links. They've made posters. They've hung the chain on nearly every surface of the school. And they're selling the links to anyone who will buy them.
McGuire said, "I've actually sold them to some cops and people from different schools."
Justin watches his friends execute his idea, and he smiles. He says he's learning that a dream can become a reality with the help of some friends. And he's learned that even a kid in a small town can make a big difference.
Wessel said, "It really affected me. Like, thinking that if that was to happen here, everybody would rush our aid. And over there, it took a couple of days for people to get there."
The goal is to make this chain 600 miles long. That's about how far it is from Palatka to Haiti. The links are selling for 50 cents a piece. Already, they've raised more than $1000.
