Watertown Middle School in Watertown, Massachusetts has been involved in Pennies for Patients since 2004, when the school raised $8,464.47. Since then they have raised a total of $294,380.34, including this year’s total of $34,578.15. The program is led by Eleanor Donato, who is a teacher at the school.

When they began, the program was run in memory of a beloved principal who passed away from blood cancer. The program is also run in honor of four student survivors – some currently in the Middle school, some moved up to the High School, and of health and physical education instructor Tom Johnson, a survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma.    

In addition to the coin drive, each homeroom at the school organizes an event, from dances, dodge ball games, student/faculty basketball games, to rummage and bake sales.

The entire community of Watertown gets behind the middle school. Many local businesses put collection boxes out to help raise money, and they have multiple community sponsors who make donations.

Four years ago the Massachusetts Chapter created the Eleanor Donato School & Youth Achievement Award, which is given to a Pennies Coordinator who goes above and beyond to create a successful program in his/her school. Eleanor comes to the Volunteer Appreciation Night every year to present this award. She brings with her the officers of the Watertown Middle School Student Council and has the students accept the Top School plaque and the Research Portfolio recognition.