FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 21, 2014) -- They might be young, but Faith Middle School students showed they can make an impact in the world, said sixth-grader Lauryn Vigeland and vice president of the student council. The school, led by the student council and members of the National Junior Honor Society, managed to raise $2,500 for Pennies for Patients - triple the amount of their original goal.
Pennies for Patients is a program that raises money to help those who have leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, according to the Pennies for Patients website.
The students fundraised for three weeks with events such as dress down days and jean days, where students paid to wear jeans or dress casually. The fundraiser also included a basketball game between students and faculty and staff. They charged $1 for entry and also provided snacks and beverages.
With the help of the Parent-Teacher Organization, the students put on a spring dance with half of the proceeds going to the Pennies for Patients fundraiser. Rebecca Willoughby's eighth-grade class raised $131, which was the highest amount raised by a class.
Sixth-grader Xzaviar Lewis, the student council's activity coordinator, said he was touched to see how interested students were in helping others.
"There were a few students who gave me $3 or $5," he said about sixth-graders. "And I'd ask them if they wanted the (their change) back. And they said no, it was for the cause."
Seventh-grader Elana Ornelas, who is the student council secretary and on NJHS, said they put on other community service projects including collecting 152 books that were given to the Ronald McDonald House and collecting 550 items donated to the Battle Buddy Resource Center on post.
"It's good to help other people beside yourself," said sixth-grader Valeria Vazquez. She is the student council historian and also on NJHS.
"We wanted to show that we're not just a student council that helps the school, (but we can also) do charity work and help in the community," Lauryn said. "It wasn't just for us. It was for everyone else. It wasn't just our money. It was being donated to others."
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