BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A Bakersfield middle school raised over $1,500 in one week as part of a nationwide effort to encourage students to help fellow classmates in need.

Officials with Rosedale Middle School said the program One For Books is designed to motivate young people to give while schools get something in return. The program benefits the schools library as well as victims of disaster, ABC23 reported.

School librarian Denise Showers notified school staff about the national program, and then students were urged to save their spare change.

"I always wanted to help others and to donate through different organizations through my school. I love it because I can bring my money to class, and I don't have to send it anywhere and hope it's a real organization. I know it's an organization that helps people in need," said student Hannah Schill.

Each year, thousands of schools across the country participate in the One For Books campaign. The money raised is matched up to $1 million in books by three national nonprofit organizations such as the Kids in Distressed Situations Foundation. The most recent help has gone to the student victims of Hurricane Ike.

"We were able to have our students become aware of other students who are in need as well as help our school in this budget situation. The kids came to our aid," said Jennifer Keys, principal at Rosedale Middle School.

Officials said the entire school participated in the fundraiser. Many classes were in competition with one another to see who would raise the most money.

The program also benefits the school by matching one book for every dollar raised. Rosedale Middle School will get 1,500 new books.