Local students are lending a hand with one of the largest
fundraisers for cancer: the Leukemia
&
amp; Lymphoma Society Pennies for Patients, a campaign that has
raised nearly $10 million nationwide for blood cancer research.
Local students are lending a hand with one of the largest fundraisers for cancer: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Pennies for Patients, a campaign that has raised nearly $10 million nationwide for blood cancer research.
Central High and Barrett, Burnett and El Toro Elementary have signed up to participate in this year’s campaign.
“I think it is really important for kids to participate in a philanthropic, a charity event that is different from just raising money for their school,” Burnett Principal Bob Davis said Thursday. “They realize they are a part of the larger community. It is amazing how kids respond to those in need; they have such empathy. That’s a quality that we never want them to lose.”
Created in 1993, the Pennies for Patients fundraiser calls for students in grades K-12 to put their budding entrepreneurial and philanthropic skills to good use. For a three-week period in February, the kids collect pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and even dollar bills to go towards research to advance cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins and myeloma.
Their efforts are not in vain. In 1960, the survival rate for leukemia was only 14 percent. Today it is nearly 50 percent. The survival rate for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma went from 40 to nearly 85 percent. But, pediatricians say, blood cancer is still a leading disease of children. Funding and research are needed to find cures and improve survival rates.
“Cancer touches the lives of most families, unfortunately,” Davis said. “I think many of the kids are able to relate to this on a personal level as well.”
Last year, Davis said, his school also participated in Pennies for Patients. In years past, they have held a Jump Rope for the Heart, a fundraiser that benefits the American Heart Association.
“It’s quite impressive to see our children so enthusiastic about helping others,” said Vicki Weiland, senior executive director of the society’s Northern California Division. “Not only are these students giving of themselves to help someone in need, but they’re also learning important life lessons such as fundraising skills and philanthropy.”
Students also benefit in other ways for their participation in the Pennies for Patients fundraiser. The society offers rewards and special recognition for the top fundraising class in each school as well as for the top three fundraising schools in the nation. The class collecting the most change in each school receives a pizza party. Prizes such as computers, electronics and sports equipment are presented to the top schools in each area.
The deadline to sign up for participation in Pennies for Patients is Feb. 1, but the society will also consider special arrangements if a school has conflicts with the program dates. Upon signing up, schools receive special materials for the program including a curriculum and collection bags. For more information, call 408-271-8307.
ma******@mo*************.com
