Pennies for Patients
Scootney Springs Elementary partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Pennies for Patients Program to help raise money for people with blood cancer in our community.
The Pennies for P- atients Program is a remarkable service and philanthropy project that allowed our students at Scootney Springs Elementary an opportunity to impact our greater community, helping those who are fighting blood cancers. Blood cancers are one of the leading causes of cancer deaths for children under the age of 20. Kids helping kids is what makes this campaign so distinctive.
We selected a three-week period for this campaign beginning Jan. 29 and continued through Feb. 16. We began the campaign with a kick-off speech that coincided with our Academic Assembly. Students took home parent letters explaining the program and each student was given a collection box. We explained to the students that every penny counts when it comes to fighting cancer. Students and parents responded to the challenge with outstanding caring and support. Some students shared that they went through drawers looking of odd change and did extra chores to earn money to donate. Some students used their own money they had been saving for a special treat, while others donated online. A parent of a second grade student explained, “I want my child to know how fortunate he is to be healthy and it is an honor to help others who are less fortunate.” Teachers were very supportive in educating the students about blood cancer, setting classroom goals, and collecting the donations each day. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society provided teachers with STEM curriculum resources to help teachers educate our students about our health and their bodies.
During the second week of the campaign, a representative from the Pennies for Patients Program visited our school, met with a few classes, and conducted a school-wide assembly to continue the education of Leukemia and Lymphoma. She discussed the need for community support to help children diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma and how their contributions would help others. Students also learned about the three different types of blood cells in our bodies and what happens when someone has blood cancer. They were able to ask questions and learn more about this type of cancer and other related factors.
Our school-wide goal was to donate $2,000.00 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. After all the pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and cash was calculate we accumulated $3,718.39 in donations, nearly doubling the very aggressive goal we had at the beginning of the campaign. Our deepest thank you goes out to all the students, parents, and community members who donated during this campaign. It is a worthy cause, and your donations will help others in need.