Holley kindergartener Hunter Cleveland (front) wanted to find a way to help his grandmother, who is recovering from leukemia. That is where the Elementary School's Student Council stepped in by organizing a Pennies for Patients drive. Shown are (l-r) Secretary Nicole Mauro, President Michael Silvis, Vice President Lauren Murphy and Treasurer Kelsey Wilson. Provided photo.

Holley students raise funds for leukemia outreach

The Holley Elementary Student Council is helping leukemia patients one penny at a time. They recently launched a penny drive at their school that encouraged students, staff and parents to donate their pennies and spare change to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients program, which supports blood cancer research, and local patient aid and services.

Kindergartener Hunter Cleveland, whose grandmother is recovering from leukemia, wanted to find a way to help her, so Student Council members decided to join him in his endeavor and organize the drive. In addition, school district officials say the project has special relevance for children and their families as leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children under the age of 20. The drive also tied into Holley Elementary's Character Education Program in which students learned about the value of making a difference in the lives of others.

Students raised $262.29 collecting 107 quarters, 491 dimes, 545 nickels and 16,919 pennies in all.

April 8, 2007