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Schools participate in fund raisers that benefit cancer research, programs
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Wednesday, 30 January 2008
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Jennifer Larson
Community Editor
That spare change your child has been collecting may not be going into their own piggy banks but towards a greater cause. A number of Forest Lake Area Schools have pledged their support in an effort to raise funds that benefit cancer research and patient programs. It also teaches students of all ages the importance and joy of giving.
Century Junior High is among the 700 schools totaling more than 350,000 students throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 17th Annual Pennies for Patients during January and February 2008.
According to Student Council Advisor and Social Studies teacher Lori Worrall, the goal is to raise $6,000 between Feb. 4-22. In 2007, the school collected $4,106.
“We’ve almost doubled our goal every year,” she said, noting it is Century’s third year participating in the program.
She said that grades 7, 8 and 9 are challenged with raising $2,000 each. The winning grade will receive a prize.
“Every penny counts,” she added.
Leukemia is the leading cause of death from cancer among children so the cause is very relevant to students.
Pennies for Patients is a national program for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in which elementary and secondary students donate their spare change to help fund lifesaving cancer research and patient programs.
A total of $600,000 was raised by more than 525 local schools in 2007.
Students in two Wyoming Elementary School classrooms – 3rd Grade teacher Crystal Rademacher and 2nd Grade teacher Julie Sorensen – are collecting loose change for KS95 for Kids. The proceeds will benefit Gillette Children’s and Cancer Research Funds.
They are accepting donations now through Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. Rademacher said part of the health curriculum is to participate in a community service project.
In the past, she noted they have held food drives and mitten collections. However, both teachers have lost people close to them from cancer so the cause is near to their hearts.
“It’s the thought too,” Rademacher said.
The students have not set a target but appreciative for each cent collected. She said her and Sorensen’s students will count the coinage as a math activity with their sixth grade buddies.
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