Goldsboro, N.C. — Nearly 20 schools across Wayne County are working on a "Pennies for a Purpose" fundraising project to support the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Students have decorated 5-gallon water bottles with a "heroes" theme in mind. The bottles are now on display at the schools to collect change.

At the end of this month, all the money raised will be turned over to the Red Cross. The bottles will then be separated into three categories: elementary, middle and high school, and judged on their artistic merit. The winning school in each category will receive $100 to be used for supplies.

The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross is holding its 5th annual Heroes Campaign all this month.

The campaign raises money to support programs and services the chapter offers local residents. That includes health and safety education and training, blood drives to keep hospital blood supplies filled, and assistance in times of disaster.

This year, the Wayne school system has two schools, Eastern Wayne Middle and Rosewood High, working to become Red Cross "Heroes."

That means students from the schools are working to raise $1,000 for the campaign. Eastern Wayne Middle is holding an "American Idol" Talent Show at 1 p.m. on March 22. Rosewood High JROTC is sponsoring a Stomp Fest Talent Show at 7:30 p.m. on March 16.

"The students who participate with the 'Pennies for a Purpose' project set a fine example of young people serving the community," said Samia Garner, Wayne County Red Cross blood services director. "All of the money that is raised by the schools is used to help people right here in Wayne County. Last year the 'Pennies for a Purpose' project raised almost $5,000."

Schools participating this year include: Brogden Primary, Carver Heights Elementary, Charles B Aycock High, Dillard Middle, Eastern Wayne Elementary, Eastern Wayne High, Eastern Wayne Middle, Edgewood Developmental School, Fremont Stars, Goldsboro High, Goldsboro Intermediate, Grantham, Greenwood Middle, Meadow Lane Elementary, North Drive Elementary, Northwest Elementary, Norwayne Middle, Rosewood High and Spring Creek High.