For two weeks in February, 45 Kelso-Longview Adventist School students brought in their spare change to give to the Pennies for Patients program of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The school collected $597.78, which was double their goal.
Johnny Williams kicked off the campaign with a personal connection to the project. His great-granddaughter, Haley, died last year of cancer. He told about how important it was for his family to be able to go with her to Seattle and stay close to her. The funds raised through this campaign go to help with expenses like those.
Students raised money in a variety of ways, including paying $1 to chew gum or wear pajamas. Junior high students could pay $3 to skip a math lesson. One student, on a weekend, set out a jar at a booth, and raised $41.
“I’m very proud of our students,” says Tracy Lang, school principal. “They did a great job of understanding the mission of the society and what the money is used for. They were excited every day to watch the total rise. I think they knew all along they would surpass the goal.”
“These students serve as an example to all of us through their commitment to helping others," says Eric Tweed, the Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter campaign coordinator. “Their efforts help local patients and their families along with funding cancer research.”
Justin Lehner, fifth-grade student, contributes $41 to helping cancer patients.
