The Pennies for Patients program made a visit to Los Altos Elementary on Friday, March 1, to help them kickstart their fundraising campaign that will go towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the largest non-profit that is dedicated toward finding cures for blood cancers. Their program, Pennies for Patients, encourages elementary age students to “join the hero squad” and help their mission to create a world free from cancer. The organization believes when students participate in philanthropic work it teaches students about having strong character.
“By participating, not only will kids learn about making an impact, but about leadership, teamwork, philanthropy and what "doing good" for others can mean.”
A representative from the organization came to the school and gave an interactive presentation about what leukemia is and she shared all the heroes in the fight against cancer. The first heroes are the patients, second heroes are the teachers who teach people how to become doctors, third heroes are the doctors, fourth heroes are scientists who research cures, and the fifth hero can be them! They can have a part in the fight against cancer by helping to raise money to help find a cure.
Students were then able to watch a video about the fundraiser and see where exactly their money will go and get a glimpse of the research that is being done. The assembly closed with the representative talking to students about prizes that they can win depending on how much they are able to fundraise and encouraged students to, “Join the Hero Squad. Together We Can ‘Change’ Cancer!”
For more information about Pennies for Patients:
https://www.studentseries.org/participate/elementary-schools/for-schools