Three Franklin Elementary School students blow gum bubbles as part of a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on March 24. Pictured, from left, is Sophia Moz, Amanda Garcia and Angga Pramana. Garcia has Muscular Dystrophy and the fundraiser was held to support her.

Chewing gum is typically frowned upon at Franklin Elementary School. That wasn’t the case on March 24 as the school held a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which raised $439.

Franklin third grader Amanda Garcia has Muscular Dystrophy and staff came up with the idea to let students chew gum if they donated $1 to the MDA. Staff also donated $5 to wear jeans that day.

“It’s to show support for one of our students and her family,” said Franklin Principal Tim Holmgren. “The kids are having fun with it.”

Amanda was appreciative of the kindness shown to her by her fellow Franklin students.

“It feels really nice because they are raising money for me,” she said.

Amanda wore her team uniform (Bananaramas) for the upcoming MDA Muscle Walk of Des Moines, which will be April 29.

Amanda Garcia is pictured with her third grade class at Franklin, taught by Mrs. Angie Pietig, back row, right.

Amanda Garcia gets a bubble going.