It’s amazing what a dollar can do. Sometimes, though, it’s even more amazing to see the work that went behind producing that dollar.

On Friday, for one dollar, students at Hillpoint Elementary School could buy 30 minutes of basketball time in the school’s gym. And to top it off, all the dollars raised went to a good cause – the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization aimed at improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Carol Johnson, the chairman of the Hillpoint Elementary March of Dimes committee, said it is important that students learn young how fortunate they are compared to some.

“It’s important for them to understand all children don’t have everything when they come into this world,” she said. “They don’t start on the same playing field. We want them to be involved, and they need to get a little bit of fun out of it, so it’s not just them giving us a dollar.”

The Hoops for Hope is just one of several campaigns Hillpoint is participating in to raise money for March of Dimes. The school is also selling a special March of Dimes Beanie Baby, cardboard wall cards and chances to win a fully stocked picnic basket. The lower-level and upper-level classes that raise the most money for March of Dimes will also earn a pizza party.

The school is doing a great job on behalf of the March of Dimes. Perhaps as importantly, they’ve instilled an appreciation for others into their children by doing so.