Pennies for Patients

Whether it's change from family, friends or from under the couch, the fifth- and sixth-graders at West Elementary are working together to collect change for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Pennies for Patients program.

More than 29,000 schools across the country are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's School and Youth Programs to raise money and awareness.

Pennies for Patients is a service learning program that allows students to give back by collecting change to aid thousands of children and adults who are battling blood cancers such as leukemia. Each class participating receives a donation box and students will get individual donation boxes provided by the program.

For three weeks, 10 homeroom classes at West are collecting any spare change to contribute to a bigger change.

Mandy McKay, a sixth-grade teacher and coordinator of the Pennies for Patients program at West, said the school has participated in this program for several years.

"We've had great participation in the program and the students have shown great teamwork by coming together to help patients in need," McKay said.

Last year, West students raised more than $400 and are hoping to beat that amount this year. The Pennies for Patients program has raised about $261 million since its inception to support leukemia and lymphoma patients and families. About $28 million was raised nationwide during last year's program.

"We are challenging each homeroom class to be the first to fill their large classroom donation box," McKay said. "Our students are very helpful and love to meet challenges."

McKay said that schools raising more than $1,200 will receive a gift card that's then used to purchase school supplies. Also, the top five elementary, middle and high schools will receive a banner to display at their school to recognize their hard work.

"Students also receive the satisfaction of working together and helping those in need."

"Unfortunately, many of us know someone who has faced cancer during their lifetime," McKay said. "By helping out the LLS, we can give hope to those individuals and families going through treatment."

West students will take donations through Feb. 20. Until then, anyone can make donations to students who attend West. There is a donation box in the school's office and donations can also be made online by searching for West Elementary on the Pennies for Patients website.