The Power of Pennies

Volunteerism, fundraising and finding a cure for cancer is the mission of this year’s Cherry Avenue Student Council. To accomplish this, the students teamed up with Pennies for Patients, a division of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

During the program, students collected money to support LLS’s mission to find cures for: leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Over the course of two months, fourth and fifth graders searched their backpacks, asked their relatives, and emptied their piggy banks to collect money toward this important cause. Jack Corcoran, Cherry Fifth grader explained, “It was fun asking my grandparents to donate. It made me feel good to explain what we were raising money for!”

Melissa Pulsinelli, a LLS representative, came to explain to the students the power of their donation. The students learned that their money allows for researchers to conduct promising clinical trials. Kyle Finn, Cherry Fifth grade student shared, “It doesn’t matter how much money you raise, what’s important is our goal to help others and save lives.”

Cherry Avenue Principal, Dr. Lisa Ihne, expressed pride in these students. “Community service is an integral part of the Cherry Avenue community. Congratulations, Student Council, on raising $1,090.38 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  We are very proud of our students’ commitment and hard work, and their recognition of the importance of serving others.” Teachers Susan Metzler and Jeanette Georges agreed, “We're honored to work with dedicated students who have served our community through service and leadership this school year.”