(05/25/06) LIVINGSTON ? A group of eighth-graders in Livingston are reaching across continents to help a little African boy with HIV.

The teens, who all attend religious classes at Temple B?nai Abraham, raised more than $2,500 to help 9-year-old Habil Onyango Otieno. All of the money will go towards prescription drugs, food and medical care for the boy. Students say they?re trying to raise awareness about AIDS and its terrible effects worldwide.

The students raided the money in about six weeks. They held fashion shows, sold refreshments and solicited contributions for the effort. The teens hatched the plan to help Otieno as part of their community service project. They?ve already started brainstorming ideas for next year, but don?t have anything concrete planned yet.