Mundelein students jump rope for heart, rubber ducks

Mundelein third-graders jumped rope on one leg, in pairs, skipping and in threes during physical education class in an effort to raise money to fight heart disease on Tuesday.

Students at Mechanics Grove School participated in Jump Rope for Heart to raise money for the American Heart Association.

"It's nice to help people with their heart problems," third-grader Douglas Halvorsen said while breathing heavily after jumping rope.

The program is in its 10th year of participation, and students in third through fifth grades hoped to raise close to $3,800 for the cause. Also, Mechanics Grove typically receives $200 in sporting equipment from U.S. Games for the effort.

Prizes of small rubber ducks were given to students who collected a minimum of $5, while students who raised the most money also won bigger prizes.

"They have a new promotion with little ducks to help motivate students to raise money," physical education teacher Matt Self explained. "We also talk to the kids about the causes of heart problems so that it is not just about the prizes, but also about helping people with heart disease."