Minot Forest Elementary students have raised more than $230 for earthquake relief in Japan through the creation of paper cranes.

While studying Japanese music and culture in music classes, teacher Susan Tansey helped students make the cranes and gave them the opportunity to donate any amount to the relief effort.

The crane is considered a mystical creature in Japan, and according to a Japanese legend called "Senbazuru," anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as recovery from illness or injury.

Tansey said the children brought in their own money - often in small change like dimes and pennies - to contribute.

A donation will be sent to Japan after all students have had the opportunity to make a crane.