Students raise money for cancer research, one penny at a time
From left, Aaron Breeden, 6, Averey Sosa, 10, and Kaylynn Lawson, 10, count the money they helped raise for the Pennies for Patients fundraiser.
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LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
Since 1994, more than $100 million has been raised by 12 million elementary school, middle school and high school students around the country for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's School & Youth Programs, according to the ...
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LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
Since 1994, more than $100 million has been raised by 12 million elementary school, middle school and high school students around the country for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's School & Youth Programs, according to the society's Web site.
They're making every penny count.
Since Nov. 2, students at Vickers Elementary School have been raising money, mostly pennies, for the Pennies for Patients Program. The fundraiser is to help find a cure for blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. By Nov. 13, about $800 was raised.
"It's going for a great cause," said Kaylynn Lawson, a fifth grader. "My grandma also had cancer. It'll help save their lives."
Marcus Hermes, 8, collected $62 for the fundraiser.
"We all donated a lot of our church money because donating that to stuff like this is to help kids with cancer," the third grader said. "We got together and asked my siblings if they could give money for cancer, and they all said yes."
To help raise money, Aaron Breeden, 6, looked around his home for loose change.
"My papa had all this money on the counter, and I put it all in a pile and I sorted it with all the pennies and the dimes," Aaron said.
Giving up the $20 Averey Sosa received from her grandpa wasn't hard, she said.
"You never know when the other kids are going to have their last day," Averey said. "We're trying the best we can to raise money for them."
Every day, students bring in their newly collected money to Leticia Johnston, the school clerk, to be counted.
She informs each class on how much they've raised. The class with the most money raised gets a pizza party.
"The kids always go way and beyond. It's amazing how much the kids can come up with," Johnston said. "It gives them motivation in wanting to be the class with the most money."
Last year, the school raised more than $1,500 for Kids Against Cancer, Johnston said. This year, they were approached by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to participate. Their goal is $1,000 by Nov. 20.
"I think a lot of families are touched in some way," Principal Steve Carroll said. "They've known somebody who has had cancer. It's a way of giving back. We're glad to be able to help them do that."
Participating in the Pennies for Patients Program has taught the students to be appreciative for their healthy bodies, they say.
"I feel really good that I do have a healthy body," Marcus Hermes said, "except for the fact that I don't drink much milk."
